Concussion: New York Rangers uncertain about return of Brian Boyle despite his practice-NHL News
The New York Rangers remain uncertain about return of centre, Brian Boyle, in Game 1 of the playoff series against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, April 28, 2012.
Boyle, who suffered a concussion in Game 5 of the Western Conference playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, returned to practice for the first time on Friday, April 27.
Still, he declined to predict his comeback to the side for the weekend game and equally uncertain is Rangers’ coach, John Tortorella. None of the managers are willing to confirm if the player is going to be available.
Brian himself said:
"This is my first day on the ice. I felt pretty good, but we'll see. It's all how you react when you take another step, so I have no idea."
It is for the first time in his career that the player has suffered a head injury and apparently does not know how to handle it.
He added:
"It was new to me, (I) just had to do nothing. There's a lot going on with our team so that was tough to do, but it's beneficial."
Boyle was injured as a result of a hit from Senators’ right wing, Chris Neil. As of the latest, he said he still feels foggy.
The concussion problems linger on and on as the symptoms can recur any time. This is one of the reasons that the player as well as managers are refusing to give a date for his return from the injury.
Meanwhile, Rangers are said to be looking to strengthen their defence to compensate the absence of Boyle, who was an important member of the team’s offence. The lacking attack capability will certainly make them rely on a stronger defence.
They are planning to bring in Steve Eminger as a seventh defensive man for Saturday’s game, if Boyle is unable to report his fitness to the team.
Tortorella, in the meantime, has also refrained from speculating anything about return of forward, Brandon Dubinsky, who is out of the side with an unknown lower body injury.
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