New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist had a rough start to his 2016 playoff campaign on Wednesday night. The veteran netminder was forced to leave Game 1 of the Rangers’ series against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he took an accidental stick to the face courtesy of teammate Marc Staal towards the end of the first period.
Staal’s stick blade managed to penetrate the cage of Lundqvist’s mask, getting Hank in or around the right eye. The goaltender managed to stay in the game for the remaining minute of the period, giving up a quick goal, but didn’t return to the bench to begin the second period.
The Rangers have got to hope the damage is limited, as Lundqvist is one of their big difference-makers.
