Rangers’ Ryan Strome good for Game 4, Bolts’ rule out Brayden Point
Anthony Scultore
|
The Tampa Bay Lightning came up big in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. Down by two to the New York Rangers, Nikita Kucherov led the rally for the eventual 3-2 victory.
As both teams prepare for Game 4 on Tuesday night, here’s the latest on the injury front.
Ryan Strome good for Game 4
New York Rangers center Ryan Strome was labeled “fine” for Tuesday matchup by head coach Gerard Gallant.
Strome did not skate with the team at practice on Monday after leaving the Game 3 with a lower-body during the second period. It was an optional session for the Rangers today with only a handful of regulars skating.
The Rangers currently hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Strome, 28, left the match after Ondrej Palat delivered a crosscheck to his back. He immediately reacted in pain and had difficulty skating back to the bench. He tried to comeback later in the period, but after one shift he looked at the medical trainers and shook his head in the negative.
Strome scored 54 points (21 G – 33 A) in 74 regular-season games and has 9 points (2 G – 7 A) in 17 postseason contests to date.
Barclay Goodrow also exited the game blocking a Victor Hedman shot late in the third period. He did not miss a shift.
Lightning rule out Brayden Point
Brayden Point will miss another Game since injuring his leg against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the Lightning’s opening round series.
The 26 year-old center continues to take part in practice including Monday’s optional skate, but coach Jon Cooper said he won’t be available.
“He’s taking a twirl right now,” said Cooper, “but he’s out for Game 4.”
This season, Point posted 58 points (28 goals, 30 assists) in 66 games. In seven playoff contests, he’s added two goals and two assists.
