Ryan Lindgren has made a triumphant return to the New York Rangers’ lineup after a scary injury just a week and a half ago. Lindgren, a 26-year-old defenseman, crashed into the boards during a game against the Islanders and fell awkwardly on his leg. At the time, he feared the worst, but fortunately, the injury turned out to be less severe than initially thought.
To everyone’s surprise, Lindgren was back on the ice just 11 days later, facing off against the Avalanche. He played an impressive 21 minutes and 11 seconds and had three blocked shots in the Rangers’ 3-2 shootout victory. Lindgren himself was amazed at his quick recovery, stating that he healed much faster than he anticipated. He considers himself fortunate that the injury was only short-term.
Lindgren’s return from such an injury in such a short period is both unsurprising and jaw-dropping. While there was no rush for him to come back, it became clear that he was ready much sooner than expected. He resumed skating just over a week after the injury, received extensive treatment, and targeted the injured area in the weight room. Feeling good and seeing no reason to sit out any longer, Lindgren made his return to the lineup.
Head coach Peter Laviolette shared Lindgren’s sentiment, stating that players should only be held out when they’re not ready to play. Once cleared by medical staff, players should be allowed to get back on the ice. Laviolette emphasized that players want to play and sitting them out unnecessarily doesn’t make sense.
Lindgren compared this recovery to his experience last season when he missed a significant portion of games due to a shoulder injury. He only had five games to ramp up his game before the playoffs began. This time around, Lindgren will have ten games to regain his form, which he believes will be crucial for him.
With Lindgren back in the lineup, the Rangers’ defensive pairings have been adjusted accordingly. Lindgren returned to his usual spot on the left side of Adam Fox, while K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider remained a pairing. Zac Jones skated with Chad Ruhwedel. The team is still missing Jacob Trouba and Erik Gustafsson, but Trouba looks close to returning.
Despite missing Lindgren, the Rangers managed to go 3-1 in his absence. However, his return brings a sense of reassurance to the team. Lindgren is known for his toughness, blocking shots, and protecting the net. His teammates describe him as the “Terminator” due to his ability to bounce back quickly from injuries.
Overall, Lindgren’s return is a significant boost for the Rangers. His quick recovery showcases his resilience and dedication to the game. With him back on the ice, the team can continue their push for success.
