Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh left Game 5 of the team's Eastern Conference finals series vs. the Rangers with an injury. His status for Game 6 on Saturday could be up in the air.
The veteran blue liner left during the third period of Tampa Bay's 3-1 win on Thursday. The injury appeared to stem from an awkward collision behind the Lightning net with Rangers forward Chris Kreider.
Ryan McDonagh not on the bench .. in the locker room#Lightning 1 #NYR 1 P3 pic.twitter.com/SD91677RDq
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) June 10, 2022
Kreider turned away from McDonagh, causing McDonagh to spin out. He went down the tunnel but eventually returned to the ice, getting shifts in the final five minutes of the game.
The Lightning were able to overcome his 13-minute absence despite being down to just two left-shot defenseman, and grabbed a 3-2 series lead in process.
"He’s a warrior," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said after the win. "So whatever he had to leave for, he didn’t want to leave, that wasn’t by choice. But it’s by a choice that he came back, and it’s that warrior mentality he has, and it’s probably not been a secret since he’s been on our team how well we’ve had some good runs here in the playoffs."
Tampa Bay will need McDonagh on the back end as it has an opportunity to close out the series and punch its ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. The 32-year-old leads the team in blocked shots by a large margin this postseason with 44. Victor Hedman is the next-closest with 30. McDonagh has added a goal, three assists and 25 hits through 16 games.
MORE: When does the Stanley Cup Final start?
Is Ryan McDonagh playing in Game 6?
The fact that McDonagh was able to return to Game 5 is good news for the Lightning, but the extent of his injury is still unknown. Cooper said he "anticipates" that McDonagh will be ready to go in Game 6.
Jon Cooper said he anticipates Ryan McDonagh will be okay for Game 6. Won’t know more on Point until tomorrow
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) June 10, 2022
McDonagh met with the media on Saturday and said that "everything's good", indicating that he will be in the lineup for Game 6.
When is Game 6 of the Lightning-Rangers series?
Game 6 of the Lightning-Rangers series is Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. It will take place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game nationally on ESPN. The Canadian audience can view the game on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports (French-language).
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel (U.S.) | TV channel (Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 6 | Lightning vs. Rangers | 8 p.m. | ESPN | Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
