One unfortunate aspect of the grind that is playoff hockey is the toll it takes on the players & the injuries associated. The Rangers-Penguins series has been quite the battle so far, and a handful of players on both sides find themselves on the shelf.
The Penguins announced today Casey DeSmith underwent successful core muscle surgery:
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Already down Brian Dumoulin, Jason Zucker, Rickard Rakell, & now both their starting goaltenders, the Pens have a hefty task in front of them.
On the other side of the aisle, the Rangers will be without Barclay Goodrow for the remainder of this series at least:
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As Rosen suggests, Tyler Motte may return this series. Although whether that's in Game 3 or 4 is in doubt.
While both teams have sustained injuries, it's quite obvious the Penguins have caught the worst of it. Missing two pieces from their top-6 forwards, arguably their best defenseman, and their two starting goalies, will the Pens be able to overcome their casualties & top the Rangers? Or will Gerard Gallant keep his team on the path to victory?
