Sports
Rangers' Laba, Vaakanainen Out 'Week to Week' Due to Injuries
Noah Laba and Urho Vaakanainen will be out for the Rangers after sustaining injuries during Wednesday's game against the Devils. Coach Mike Sullivan announced that both players are considered 'week to week'.
The Rangers will have to make adjustments with Laba, the team's third-line centre, and Vaakanainen, a third-pairing defenceman, out due to injury. Both players left Wednesday's game versus the Devils early. Neither player travelled with the team to Columbus for Thursday's game. According to head coach Mike Sullivan, neither player will require injured reserve at this time. During Saturday's Rangers practice in Tarrytown, Connor Mackey subbed for Vaakanainen on the third defensive pairing. With Laba absent, Miller again skated on the third line with Conor Sheary and Tye Kartye. Taylor Raddysh was also bumped up to play with Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle.
Key Facts
- Noah Laba and Urho Vaakanainen are out 'week to week'.
- Laba has a lower-body injury, while Vaakanainen has an upper-body injury.
- The injuries occurred during Wednesday's game against the Devils.
- Laba is the Blueshirts' third line centre.
- Vaakanainen is a third-pairing defenceman, having played in 33 games.
- Connor Mackey has replaced Vaakanainen.
- Laba's absence will require the Blueshirts to adjust their penalty kill strategy.
- Laba has nine goals and 21 points this season.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- New York Post — Two Rangers to miss time with injuries: 'going to be week to week'