New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Blake Wheeler (17) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
(New York, NY) – Ahead of Tuesday night’s game two with the Carolina Hurricanes, things have been all roses for the New York Rangers. After sweeping the Washington Capitals in the first round, the Blue Shirts held on to win in game one – and have yet to drop a contest in postseason play.
Now – things could be getting even better – winger Blake Wheeler could be making an improbable return from injury.
After injuring his right leg in brutal fashion against the Canadiens back in mid-February, the assumption was Wheeler would miss the rest of the season.
His teammates helped him off the ice following a hit from Montreal defenseman Jayden Struble. Now, the 37-year-old is back on the ice at practice. He suited up and participated Monday. That said, he won’t be active for Game 2, and could still miss the entire playoffs.
But just seeing him back and uniform and with the club is a lift to his teammates. Wheeler is a popular veteran and someone who provides leadership within the clubhouse. Center Barclay Goodrow made that much clear:
“It’s awesome. Seeing ‘Wheels’ out there gave us a boost of energy. We all know the hard work and grind that he’s put in every day. I know he enjoyed being back out there with the guys,” Goodrow explained. “You may not realize how much you enjoy it and need to be around the guys until you don’t have it. So, it was good to see him out there. It was definitely a nice boost.”
Wheeler was on the ice in a red jersey Tuesday – meaning he’s not medically cleared to play. He played 12 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets before coming over to New York prior to this year. Head coach Peter Laviolette addressed the impact Wheeler’s return can have on his club:
“You’re hoping it’s a long road to get to the end, and you know that you’re going to need a lot of bodies,’’ Laviolette said. “So, to see Blake back out there — even though it was in a different color jersey — I think was really important for him and for our team. It’s the steps in the process of him getting back to being available — whenever that may be. It’s a long road. I can tell you that from experience. It’s a grind and you need a lot of bodies, so you need everyone working hard every day.”
One of the team’s top skaters, Wheeler played well against Carolina this year, and would be a useful addition to the roster if he’s activated in time for this series. Goodrow noted it’s good for Wheeler and the team as a whole to see him back:
“I’m sure he’s enjoying being back around the guys. It was a long time that he wasn’t here. Now he’s back in the mix. He’s got so much energy he brings.”
Mika Zibanejad – who paced the Rangers attack in Game 1 with 2 goals and 1 assist – said it’s “a lot of fun” to see Wheeler skating once again.
“ ‘Wheels’ obviously has been out for so long, and the way he’s been working and to see commitment level and just honestly the attitude he’s been bringing every day, it’s been awesome,’’ Zibanejad observed. “Every day you come in, he has a smile on his face. That spreads out through the room, so it’s awesome to see him back.”
The Rangers are 11 wins away from hoisting the cup for the first time since 1994. A return from Wheeler would go a long way toward making that happen. Plus, center Filip Chytil, also thought to be lost for the year to injury – has been working his way back as well.
