Gaborik working toward West Coast trip
Rangers winger Marian Gaborik will miss Thursday's game against Tampa Bay with a groin injury. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
OTTAWA - Was this overnight trip to Canada a test run for Marian Gaborik's return on the West Coast? Maybe.
Gaborik, who suffered a concussion Feb. 13, did not play for the sixth straight game Friday night but had "a hard workout" on ice with backup goalie Chad Johnson and was not experiencing concussion-related symptoms as of 5:30 p.m., coach John Tortorella said.
It was the third consecutive day that Gaborik skated. Tortorella said he will be re-evaluated again Saturday, when the Rangers are scheduled to practice at their training complex in Westchester.
He would not discuss the possibility of the right wing playing against Philadelphia on Sunday, which seems unlikely. But if Gaborik can practice Saturday and skate Sunday without incident, he likely will be able to leave with the team Sunday evening on a long flight to California, where the Rangers will face Anaheim on Wednesday and San Jose on Saturday.
Tortorella said Gaborik, who has 17 goals and 21 assists in 47 games, has been cleared to fly and skate and that he would not put any player at risk.
McDonagh's knee better
There also was good news on the blue line. Rookie defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who wrenched his knee at mid-ice while attempting to check Wild forward Kyle Brodziak on Thursday night, received treatment. He did not suffer a tear or structural damage and there's minimal swelling. "He's much better than expected," Tortorella said, declaring him "day-to-day."
McDonagh, who left the University of Wisconsin after his junior year and played the first half of the season in the AHL, has no goals and five assists but provides a strong defensive presence. Steve Eminger stepped into McDonagh's spot and partnered with Bryan McCabe.
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