The Rangers released the following statement at 6:03 p.m. Wednesday on the status of defenseman Marc Staal:

"Following an injury suffered in (Tuesday) night's game vs. Philadelphia, Marc Staal was examined (Wednesday) in New York by Dr. Mark Fromer, ophthalmologist, and Dr. Mendel Markowitz, maxillofacial surgeon. The injury has improved significantly and both doctors are optimistic that Marc will make a full recovery. Staal will be sidelined indefinitely."

The team did not provide specifics on Staal's injury.

This means that Roman Hamrlik, who was claimed off waivers today, should be in the lineup Thursday against the Islanders and could see some PP duty. The likely D combinations are:
McDonagh-Girardi, Del Zotto-Stralman, Hamrlik-Eminger, but you could see Hammer with Stralman or Girardi, especially since Mack Truck has struggled lately, though he played much better Tuesday.

The Rangers might explore adding another D man if Staal's injury is a broken bone and/or he will be out for a while, but that is still to be determined.

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