New York Rangers lose Girardi and McDonagh before playoffs; call up Skjei

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Dan Girardi (left) and Ryan McDonagh (right).

New York Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh are both injured, and have no timetable for their returns.

Girardi was injured on Tuesday in the third period of the Rangers' game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after being checked shoulder-first into the boards. Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said on Thursday that Girardi is day-to-day and will not be in the Rangers' lineup against the New York Islanders.

McDonagh blocked a shot on Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets with his right hand in the first period. McDonagh finished the period, but did not return to the game for the second period and beyond.

McDonagh's injury prompted the Rangers to recall defenseman Brady Skjei from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League on Tuesday before the team's game against the Lightning.

For the Rangers in their game against the Islanders tonight, Henrik Lundqvist will start in goal and Oscar Lindberg will be a healthy scratch, Vigneault confirmed on Thursday.