NEW YORK – The New York Rangers could only fend off the injury bug for so long.
After going the first couple of months with a completely healthy roster, the Rangers center Derek Stepan was ruled out 4-6 weeks with broken ribs after taking a hit from Boston Bruins forward Matt Beleskey. Just four days later, an MRI showed that Klein would be out 2-3 weeks with a strained oblique suffered in a 4-3 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The injury will give rookie defensemen and 2010 10th-overall pick Dylan McIlrath some time to prove his worth and make his official mark as a liable sixth defensemen. He has only appeared in six games this season, but his physical presence was apparent in every game he has played.
As of now the Rangers will not call anyone up while they are in New York. They will stay with 12 forwards and six defensemen. Head coach Alain Vigneault commented “prior to going out west (early next week) we will look at different possibilities as far as promoting other players” but will stick with their normal rotation for the week.
They play at the New York Islanders on Wednesday, home against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday and home against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday before headed to western Canada next Wednesday.
In terms of plus-minus, Klein is tied for first on the Rangers and tied for seventh in the entire NHL. He has three goals and three assists.
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