.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
The Journal News’s Vincent Mercogliano explained the “special sensitivity” regarding NY Rangers wing Filip Chytil’s injury that knocked him out of NYR’s 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on November 14.
Chytil ran into K’Andre Miller in the second period and left the ice; coming back to play a few minutes in the second but disappearing in the third period. His disposition hints at a concussion. As Mercogliano implies, Chytil’s injury history runs the risk of turning him into the Tua Tagovailoa of the NHL.
What Mercogliano also adds, and what is apparent to Ranger fans, is that this injury will be costly considering Chytil’s recent play.
“There's a special sensitivity when it comes to Chytil and big hits given his history of head injuries. A concussion cost him 72 games last season, plus 10 more in the playoffs. The team also labeled that as an upper-body injury, making it hard not to flashback given the jarring nature of his collision with Miller. It also raises questions about why he was allowed to return for a shift following the hit,” Mercogliano wrote.
“Chytil has been an inspiring bright spot for the Rangers with nine points (four goals and five assists) through 15 games. He's the driving force on a highly effective line with Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko, which has infused New York's bottom six with scoring punch and lengthened the lineup as a whole.”
Filip Chytil’s absence from NY worrying to Rangers teammates in NHL season’s early going
Certainly, LW Jimmy Vesey wasn’t one to downplay Chytil’s injury following the Rangers’ on-ice win/locker room loss.
"Fil's been a huge part of our team this year, and obviously he's a big part of what we're trying to do. Him and that whole line have been huge for us, so we're all hoping to get him back quickly,” Vesey said to reporters postgame.
Chytil’s return is not guaranteed to be immediate. Truthfully, it’s not guaranteed at all this season. Time will tell if the NHL’s concussion protocol will keep him off the ice for long.
English (US)