Video: New York Rangers RW Marian Gaborik Gives Status Update on Injury

After this morning's practice which Marian Gaborik did not skate in, the star right winger discussed the laceration to his right thigh suffered in practice on Tuesday and gave the media an update on his status and where he currently is at. That discussion can be seen in the video below, courtesy of the Rangers Official Website .

Basically the Rangers are taking it day-by-day with their leading scorer, which is probably the best approach at this point. It is a good sign that Marian stated that the healing process has been going smoothly and he is feeling much better, but there still is no reason to rush him back.

Maybe if there were three games remaining in the season and the team was battling for a playoff spot the team might make more of an effort to get him back in the line-up, but we are two games away from the Olympic break and there is still a quarter of the season left to play. You do not want to put him at risk of making it any worse.

Gaborik tried to just shake off the question about the Olympics, but obviously it was something on his mind when the accident first occurred. For the Americans, representing their country may not mean as much as it does to the Russians, the Slovaks, or the Swedes because they play in the United States almost every night.

For the players that come from overseas, or even across the border, it means the world to them to participate in the games and contend for a Gold medal. All players are going to tell you that they are focused on their club right now, but they are clearly stoked to be going to Vancouver.

So no confirmation as to whether or not Gaborik will play in Pittsburgh tomorrow night against the Penguins, or Sunday against the Lightning for that matter. However, I would count on him playing in at least one, if not both before we break on Monday. Based on last night's output, there is no question the Rangers need him back in the lineup, especially when they head into the Igloo against Sid the Kid and the Pens.

Also, I will be talking about the recent transactions and much more on Blueshirt Banter radio tonight. Come over, listen in and chat during the show at ://www.blogtalkradio.com/profile.aspx?userurl=blueshirt-banter.