New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh has left Monday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and will not return after blocking a shot with his right hand.
With just over five minutes remaining in the first period and the Blue Jackets on the power play, Columbus forward Brandon Dubinsky one-timed a shot that McDonagh went down on one knee to block.
McDonagh, in obvious pain, made it to the Rangers bench before leaving the game for good.
Losing their best defenceman to any stretch of time would be quite a blow to the Rangers, who entering Monday night looked primed to face off against the surging Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The 26-year-old has nine goals and 34 points in 72 games this season.
The Rangers went on to win the game 4-2 and clinch their sixth consecutive playoff berth in the process.
Head coach Alain Vigneault said after the game that McDonagh will be evaluated tomorrow.
