Rangers coach John Tortorella confirmed what was expected: Defenseman Michael Sauer has been diagnosed with a concussion and is day-to-day, although Tortorella said he did not know what grade concussion the 24-year-old suffered.
Anton Stralman, who has appeared in one game this season, will replace Sauer in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Lightning.
Sauer, who was hit in the jaw after a shoulder-to-shoulder hit by Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf in Monday’s 4-2 loss, will almost certainly miss additional games, especially as the team is still dealing with the post-concussion issues that have kept defenseman Marc Staal out all season.
The Rangers defense did catch one break. Michael Del Zotto, who was hit into the boards by Dave Steckel while racing to touch up an icing, said he felt fine after Wednesday’s practice and that he “got away pretty lucky.”
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Forward Mike Rupp had his first full practice with the team since undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, skating in the orange non-contact jersey. He said he has not had any setbacks, but has no timetable for his return.