The New York Rangers have recalled goalie Magnus Hellberg from the AHL after starter Henrik Lundqvist suffered an injury on Thursday night. Hellberg is expected to be the backup for Antti Raanta, who will start against the Washington Capitals on Friday.
Hellberg was recalled on an "emergency basis" to serve as the backup for Raanta while Lundqvist is not healthy enough to play. Lundqvist suffered "neck spasms" on Thursday after colliding with teammate Ryan McDonagh during the 4-1 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lundqvist left that game in the second period and did not return after being looked at by the training staff.
Lundqvist showed off some frustration in the game following the injury, as the referees did not blow the whistle for a stoppage in play. Lundqvist instead pushed his own net toward the boards after trying to tell the referees that he was hurt. The play resulted in a penalty for the Rangers.
Hellberg has been with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL this season. Hellberg has a 22-16-2 record with a 2.39 goals against average in 40 games with Hartford. The goalie has made one appearance for the Rangers this season, playing 20 minutes and allowing two goals. Hellberg was acquired over the summer by the Rangers in a trade with the Nashville Predators.
If all goes according to plan, Hellberg likely will not play during his time with the Rangers. Lundqvist reportedly is not dealing with a serious injury, but the team likely wants to ensure that he is healthy before putting him back on the ice again. Raanta has gone 6-4-2 this season with a 2.32 goals against average in 16 games played. Raanta stopped all three shots he faced against the Penguins after replacing Lundqvist on Thursday.
Raanta will start on Friday against the Capitals, and he also could be in line to start Sunday against the New York Islanders if Lundqvist is not healed up. Raanta has already faced the Capitals once this season, allowing four goals on 23 shots in January. The Rangers are currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division with a 37-31-6 record and 80 points coming into Friday night.
