Rangers are expected to be without Filip again in Game 5.
The New York Rangers had a pleasant surprise during their current postseason series with the Carolina Hurricanes when it was revealed that Filip Chytil will return to the lineup. Chytil has been out of action for several months due to concussions and was expected to miss the rest of the season. He returned to the lineup in Game 3 and provided a spark for the Blueshirts, who won the game in overtime.
However, Chytil was absent from the lineup again in Game 4, due to what has been described as a “illness.” Now, ahead of a vital game on Monday night, it appears that the Rangers will be without Chytil.
The Rangers are set to be without Filip Chytil in Game 5.
Chytil was on the ice and exercising with the Rangers on Monday morning, but according to Lohud’s Vince Mercogliano, he is still unlikely to participate in Game 5. While Mercogliano stated that Chytil would never be ruled out of playing, he did note that the forward did bag skates this morning and stayed on with the extras later in practice. He was also not on the roster for the morning skate.
Despite the media’s attempts to receive a clear answer, head coach Peter Laviolette declined to reveal any plans.
“He practiced this morning,” Laviolette informed reporters (h/t Mercogliano of Lohud).”That’s great news for our squad. I will keep any lineup decisions that I make to myself.”
Chytil made his long-awaited return to the lineup in Game 3, with one shot on goal and 12:02 on the ice. His presence seemed to rekindle the team’s spirit and inject new vitality into the squad. The Rangers hope Chytil can continue to play on the third line, but they have several excellent options who can fill in for him in the interim.
Who would take Chytil’s place in the lineup?
In Game 4, Jonny Brodzinski was chosen to replace Chytil on the ice, rather than Matt Rempe, as predicted. When Chytil returned in Game 3, the Rangers removed Rempe from the lineup in favor of Brodzinski, but chose Brodzinski for Game 4.
Brodzinski is expected to return to the lineup if Chytil is unable to play. While Laviolette may still put him in the lineup, the Rangers could be better suited resting Chytil until he is fully fit again, rather than rushing him back into the lineup too soon. Brodzinski and Rempe can handle things in the interim.
