Zibanejad Sidelined with Upper-Body Injury

The New York Rangers announced forward @Mika Zibanejad will not play on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Zibanejad suffered the injury late in the first period of Sunday’s game against the Boston Bruins after taking a hit from @Patrice Bergeron. The team said they don’t believe Zibanejad suffered a concussion on the play.

https://twitter.com/Mass_Insight/status/1188610160706621440

Zibanejad was enjoying a red-hot start to his 2019-20 season, racking up four goals and seven assists in his first eight games. His injury leaves a massive hole atop the Rangers lineup, even if it does end up being a short-lived absence. Zibanejad plays over 20 minutes a game in all situations for the Rangers.

Lineup Implications

In terms of ice-time, @Ryan Strome looks to be the biggest beneficiary of the Zibanejad injury. He should be centering New York’s top line with @Artemi Panarain on his wing on Tuesday. Strome also figures to see some more time with the top power-play unit.

@Filip Chytil will also see a big opportunity in the absence of Zibanejad. The 20-year-old Czech native was recalled from Hartford (AHL) on Tuesday. He will be centering @Chris Kreider and @Pavel Buchnevich on the Rangers’ second line for tonight’s game against the Lightning. When asked about the team’s plan for Chytil this season, Rangers head coach Dan Quine gave an encouraging response.

Chytil scored three goals and added six assists in his first nine AHL games this season. The 2017 first-round-pick played 75 games with the Rangers last season, registering 11 goals and 12 assists.