The New York Rangers realize how important Jaromir Jagr has been to their team. All season long, they have relied on Jagr and he led them to a surprising 100 point season and their first playoff berth since 1997. Jagr finished the season second in the league in scoring with 54 goals and 123 points.
After a disastrous 6-1 loss in game 1 in New Jersey, the Rangers face the prospect of having to regroup without their star forward.
Jagr's injury occurred late in game one when he was attempting to kill off a New Jersey power play. He reached for Scott Gomez and missed him which appeared to cause the injury. Jagr left for the dressing room and did not return to the game. The team has officially described Jagr's problem as an 'upper body injury' in typical NHL playoff jargon.
Team doctors, Coach Tom Renney and Jagr will decide if he can play in game 2 Monday night in New Jersey.
'He's uncomfortable, but it doesn't appear to be too bad,' Renney told reporters Sunday after practice. Jagr did not participate in Sunday's session with the team.
Rangers veterans like defenseman Darius Kasparaitis realize the team may have to carry on without their top player.
'Jaromir is one of the best players in the league and the reason we're in the playoffs. But if he's not playing, other guys have to step up,' Kasparaitis explained. 'We can't rely on Jaromir. It means we have to rely on our team spirit and team defense and score maybe one goal and win a one-goal game.'
To have any chance to win, the Rangers have to improve their penalty killing. The Devils had 13 power plays and converted on five of them. New Jersey's other goal came just one second after a power play expired.
'If we give ourselves a chance 5-on-5, we'll get that win we're looking for,' Renney said. 'If we don't, it's short.'
Rookie goalie Henrik Lundqvist remained optimistic. 'It was 6-1 but it wasn't that big of a difference between the teams,' Lundqvist said. 'The big difference was all the penalties. I think if we can stay on the ice and play a 5-on-5 game, I think we have a good chance to get a win.'
