Photo Credit: USATSI
After missing the past four games due to a concussion, New York Rangers captain and defenseman Ryan McDonagh has expressed that he’s ready to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. He skated on Saturday and practiced on Tuesday.  Dylan McIlrath entered the lineup in his place while the team went 3-0-1 to open up a four-point lead over the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division.
Though McDonagh is feeling good on the ice, head coach Alain Vigneault is waiting until the Rangers’ optional morning skate on Wednesday morning to formally decide whether or not McDonagh will play. Â The defenseman has seven goals and 26 points in 52 games this season. That includes nine points in 13 games before the injury. Â Even if McDonagh is in the lineup against the Blackhawks, Vigneault said that the team may need to recall a defenseman from Hartford of the American Hockey League.
In addition, Dan Boyle was out of practice on Tuesday with the flu while Marc Staal’s wife is scheduled to have her labor induced. Â Both could potentially be unavailable for tomorrow’s game.
