BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -Rangers’ Michal Rozsival missed practice Thursday, potentially leaving New York minus its top offensive defenseman for Game 2 of its Eastern Conference semifinal series against Buffalo.
Coach Tom Renney listed Rozsival as day to day because of a leg injury, and wasn’t sure whether he’ll play Friday. Rozsival was hurt when he was checked by Buffalo’s Ales Kotalik in the first period of New York’s 5-2 loss on Wednesday.
Rozsival did not return after briefly playing in the second period.
The best-of-seven series shifts to New York for Game 3 on Sunday.
The Rangers can’t afford to lose Rozsival, who quarterbacks their power play and led New York defensemen with two goals during a first-round, four-game sweep of Atlanta. He also led Rangers defensemen with 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 80 games during the regular season.
Rangers defenseman Marek Malik also missed practice Thursday, but is expected to play Friday.
Rookie defenseman Thomas Pock, a healthy scratch on Wednesday, would likely return to the lineup if Rozsival can’t play. Pock had three assists in four games in the first round.
The Sabres are relatively healthy. Defenseman Brian Campbell, who missed part of the third period Wednesday, was among four Buffalo players held out from practice.
“I think he’ll be able to play. No guarantees, but I think he will,” coach Lindy Ruff said.
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