Michael Sauer set for Rangers defence in first home game at new Madison Square Garden – NHL News
After missing the last five games, Rangers defenseman Michael Sauer is set to return to the line-up for Thursday night’s home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The news will bring joy to the Rangers faithful who are already geared up for the first home game of the season for Rangers at the newly renovated Madison Square Garden. The stadium’s first phase of a $850 million renovation was finally completed with the Rangers to face the Canadian team at the opening game.
Sauer was suffering from a shoulder injury, and had not played since 8th October. Although, he was fit enough to play a few days earlier, he preferred taking rest to ensure that he could give his best performance on his return.
“I wanted to get back as soon as I could. It was tough sitting out on the road, but I think it was good for my injury, to give it a break and get it strong again.” said the 24-year-old athlete.
Sauer’s return will add a great strength to his side that is already affected by injuries. The top blue-liner Marc Staal was also placed on injured reserves earlier this month due to him still facing post-concussion headaches after he was hit by his own brother Eric in February
With two of their top four defensemen injured or out, the Rangers had to make do with the leftovers, relying on last season’s mainstays Dan Giradi, McDonagh and Steve Eminger while utilizing players who have not consistently played in the line-up.
The Rangers lost their home opener last season to the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3 in overtime, but this time the team is up for a close encounter and will do their utmost to emerge victorious in the renovated stadium. With the home crowd behind them for the first time since the season start and the return of its stalwart defenders from injury the Rangers will be a potent opponent for the Maple Leafs.
Ryan McDonagh, who replaced Sauer, was very optimistic about the latter’s return and said that the comeback was very vital for the team’s strength. "It's going to be huge for us, he's rock-solid back there and it's going to stabilize our back end," Ryan remarked.
Sauer who faced a shoulder injury in a pre-season game against Philadelphia Flyers started the season but soon broke down. However, having recovered and looking to make his first start since the relapse he feels highly optimistic saying
"Right now, I feel great functionally -- I was out there taking slapshots -- it's just a matter of feel, but the shoulder's strong so that's what matters,"
With Sauer becoming a mainstay of the Ranger’s defence in his rookie season starting up a strong partnership with McDonagh and becoming one of the top four defenders in the New York Rangers.
Rangers will look to improve on their current 3-2-2 record when facing the Maple Leafs on home ice this Thursday.
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