Ryan Lindgren takes part in morning skate but misses Game 4
Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren sets against the Wild in the first period of an NHL game at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
PITTSBURGH – Defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who had missed Games 2 and 3 of the Rangers’ first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a lower body injury, skated with his teammates at the morning skate before Game 4 Monday, but in the end missed his third straight game.
At the morning skate, coach Gerard Gallant had listed Lindgren as a game-time decision and hinted that if he were able to play, the coach might opt for dressing seven defensemen, rather than the usual six. That would give him coverage in the event Lindgren started the game and then wasn’t well enough to finish it.
“Obviously, you know why I'm doing it,’’ Gallant said. “I mean, what were we, 2-0 or 3-0 this year with seven ‘D’? I think any coach does it as a necessity of your team.’’
But while Gallant did not dress Lindgren, he did make a change in the lineup, inserting Jonny Brodzinski on the fourth line in place of Dryden Hunt. Brodzinski played center, with Kevin Rooney shifting to left wing.
Injured Pens goalie Jarry takes shot
Pittsburgh’s No. 1 goalie, Tristan Jarry, who has not played in the series due to a lower body injury, skated in the morning and took some shots, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. Jarry is believed to be suffering from a broken foot.
Penguins forward Rickard Rakell, who has not played since taking a heavy hit from Lindgren near the end of the first period of Game 1, took part in Pittsburgh’s morning skate. He wore a non-contact jersey and didn’t do much, and was not an option for Game 4.
Defenseman Brian Dumoulin, who has not played since Game 1, did not skate and remains out.
Gallant shocked by Trotz firing
At the morning skate, Gallant was asked his opinion on the firing of Islanders coach Barry Trotz.
“It’s just hard to believe,’’ he said. “And I'm surprised, obviously. And he's a great man. He won't be out of work long, we all know that. I've been there [=getting fired] done that. But Trotzy will be fine.’’
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
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