The New York Rangers secured a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, but the win was marred by Jimmy Vesey’s injury. Vesey was knocked out in the second period following a heavy open-ice hit by Florida’s Ryan Lomberg. Vesey left the ice favoring his left shoulder and did not return. Coach Peter Laviolette mentioned post-game that Vesey was being evaluated by the medical team. With Game 3 approaching on Sunday afternoon in Florida, Vesey’s status remains a concern.
The incident occurred 12:15 into the second period when Lomberg delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder check after Vesey had released the puck. Vesey, a key player on the Rangers’ fourth line, has contributed one goal and two assists over 12 postseason games, averaging 11:11 in ice time. During the regular season, he scored 13 goals and accumulated 26 points over 80 games.
If Vesey is unable to play in Game 3, the Rangers have several options. Blake Wheeler, who hasn’t played in three months due to a lower-body injury but has been practicing, could be a potential replacement. Alternatively, Kaapo Kakko, who was scratched for the first time in these playoffs, might be considered, although his fit on the fourth line is uncertain. Jonny Brodzinski, who has appeared in two postseason games, is another option.
In Vesey’s absence, the Rangers’ fourth line, featuring Barclay Goodrow and Matt Rempe, continued to perform strongly, with Will Cuylle taking shifts. Goodrow emerged as the overtime hero, scoring the winning goal at 14:01 after a give-and-go with Vincent Trocheck. Goodrow also excelled defensively, winning 10 of 13 face-offs, blocking four shots, and delivering three hits. Rangers captain Jacob Trouba praised Goodrow, highlighting his contributions to the team’s success.
Rempe, a 6-foot-8 rookie, provided a significant boost after being scratched for the previous two games. He logged over 10 minutes of ice time, led all skaters with nine hits, and played crucial shifts late in regulation and overtime. Rempe expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute during critical moments.
Cuylle also made a notable impact, driving to the net on Goodrow’s game-winning goal, and recording four shots and five hits in 16:20 of ice time. As the Rangers prepare for Game 3, they will need to make key lineup decisions, particularly if Vesey is unavailable.
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