New York Rangers Injury Report: Prospal, Drury Sidelined for Season Start

Vinny Prospal

Prospal, who was supposed to play last night, will be forced to miss the beginning of the season with a “sore” knee. The quotes are not implying that it is just a small “sissy” type injury; instead they imply that it is more than just a “sore” knee.

After the Rangers practice on Wednesday, Prospal felt good and he was ready to play. But yesterday afternoon Vinny found a massive swelling on his knee, and now he will miss the beginning of the 2010-11 season.

This injury does have some benefits to it, though. Now the Rangers can carry more players on their roster at the beginning of the season, allowing them more of a look at players like Tim Kennedy, Brian Boyle, and Derek Stepan.

Chris Drury

Drury, who broke his index finger last week while blocking a shot, will also start the season injured, but he is expected to come back after two games. He has been skating to keep in shape, but has not participated in a preseason game.

This injury also has benefits in the same way Prospal’s injury does. This opens another spot for a player that played well during training camp. Both Drury and Prospal may be placed on the injured reserve list, but team staff are still conversing over that move.

Michael Rozsival

Rozsvial, due to a lower body injury, will not play in tonight’s final preseason game in Ottawa. Coach John Tortorella said that he did not want to risk playing him, and that there is “no sense” in having him play a preseason game. Rozsival is expected back before season's start, but that could change.

Steve Eminger

Eminger, who played very well last night, is still feeling some groin pain, but not enough to keep him from playing. He will be ready to go opening night in Buffalo.

Marc Staal

Staal, who was hurt when sliding into the boards after his goal last night, should be able to play tonight in Ottawa, but if he is not in the lineup tonight it will likely be a precaution thing. He should be fine for opening night.

Roster Cuts

The next, and final, roster cuts will be made sometime on Sunday. It is expected that Tortorella will make two cuts on defense, and one or two cuts on offense. Ruslan Fedotenko will likely get a contract offer from the Rangers on Sunday.

That's all for now. 

Miss last night's post-game report? Here's the link.