Marc Staal is out, will not speculate on return.
Staal played on Monday but then missed Wednesday's Game 4 and will miss Game 5 tonight. He must not have felt comfortable with his limited vision in Monday's game.
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Marc Staal News
Marc Staal returned to the New York Rangers lineup Monday night for the first time since he was struck near his right eye by a deflected puck on March 5.
Staal logged 17 minutes, 17 seconds of ice time in 21 shifts of the Rangers’ 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3. Rangers coach John Tortorella certainly wasn’t going to wait any longer to get Staal right back into the heart of the action. Once Staal was given the go-ahead to play, Tortorella took advantage of the much-needed lineup addition.
#NYR HC John Tortorella won't discuss his lineup. Brian Boyle was skating with group, as was Marc Staal.
Staal said yesterday that he probably wouldn't be in Game 1 so we will have to wait until warmups to find out.
Nothing new to report today on Marc Staal (right eye)
He probably won't play in Game 1. However he could return at some point during the first round.
Defenseman Marc Staal also continued to acclimate himself to slightly blurred vision in his right eye and a visor. While Staal said he needs to gain confidence and feel more comfortable, he didn’t rule out the possibility that he could play against Washington, either.
“I don’t want to go down that road yet,” Staal said. “As of right now, I haven’t made a decision one way or the other. I think it’s gonna go day by day. If I feel good enough and make the decision to go, then I’ll go … I haven’t written myself off.”
Marc Staal took part in full-team practice for the first time since taking a deflected puck to the eye more than a month ago.
Despite the obvious optimism, Staal remains cautious about any posisble return to the Rangers lineup in the near future. The Rangers have six games remaining on their schedule, and the regular season concludes a week from this Saturday with a home contest against the Devils.
Marc Staal skates with four other Rangers, took shots, says conditioning a little better, eye still blurry
Staal will need to get back into 'game-shape' before returning to the lineup. He could be back before the end of the regular season, but there has been no timetable given by the Rangers.
Staal skated on his own today.
Staal says there is no timetable for his return or beginning to practice with team. His vision is not 100 percent.
The long-term effects of Marc Staal being hit near the right eye by a puck are not yet known and he is sidelined indefinitely.
The Rangers have said “the injury has improved significantly and both doctors are optimistic that Marc will make a full recovery. Staal will be sidelined indefinitely.”
Staal will be a gametime decision Saturday with the flu.
Staal and Del Zotto are both gametime decisions. Bickel and Eminger will be in the lineup if neither can go.
Marc Staal: "My head's clear, my body feels like the first day of training camp."
Good news for Staal, who was able to return during this year's Winter Classic. The Rangers' alternate captain likely continues to be eased into the lineup.
Line Change
Rangers announce that defenseman Marc Staal is IN for the Winter Classic. Makes his return.
Staal will play his first game this season. It will be interesting to see how the Rangers ease him back into the lineup.
Staal says he still needs to work on conditioning. Not ready for grind of playing 25 minutes per night.
It may take Staal a few weeks to get back to his desired fitness level. The All-Star defenseman is hoping to get back into the lineup at some point this season.
Staal, still out indefinitely, said when he does return, the only equipment change he might make is going to a new Bauer helmet that is supposed to provide more protection.
Staal is intensifying his practices and could get back into the lineup over the next month barring a setback. Skating at full speed this morning is certainly a good sign for the team's alternate captain.
Marc Staal on resuming contact drills. "Close, in a few days if everything goes well."
Staal is hoping to get clearance by the end of the week which is a good sign. Still he probably won't get back into a game before February.
Marc Staal says next step for him is now get his strength back in the weight room.
Staal took line rushes with rookie Tim Erixon today and may be nearing a return over the next month or so. The Rangers will continue to play it safe with their top defender so don't expect him this calendar year.
Marc Staal on ice with full squad at morning skate. First time since training camp he's on with everybody.
Certainly a step in the right direction but Staal remains out indefinitely with a concussion. If Sidney Crosby is an indicator, the Rangers will be happy if their number one defender can play this year.
Marc Staal making trip to Buffalo
Staal is travelling with the team which is a very encouraging sign. Still, don't expect the alternate captain to play in any games on the road trip.
Marc Staal skating harder than he did Thursday in Carolina
Staal has been skating for a few days now and is confident he will play this season. Keep a close eye on his status as he continues to elevate his heart rate.
Marc Staal on ice with scratches after skate
Staal continues to skate with the team which is an excellent sign. However, there remains no timetable for his return.
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