McDonagh left the game under his own power after being hit by Jack Eichel. The Lightning did not provide an update on McDonagh’s status, so consider him questionable for Saturday’s game in Florida.
McDonagh will play for the first time since February 7th and will make his Tampa Bay debut vs. the Canadiens. McDonagh had 26 points (2G / 24A) in 49 games with the Rangers before he was traded to the Lightning at the trade deadline. He will likely replace Andrej Sustr in the lineup today.
McDonagh shedded his no-contact sweater and was a full participant in Friday’s practice and could make his debut vs. the Canadiens this afternoon. Because of the early start there will be no morning skate, so expect head coach Jon Cooper to update McDonagh’s status around 11 p.m. ET.
McDonagh was acquired in a blockbuster trade on Monday, but has been sidelined since February 7th and will miss at least the next three games. Monitor his status heading into next Tuesday’s game vs. the Panthers.
McDonagh has missed the last nine games with an upper-body injury but is expected to be back in the near future. His 50th game of the season will come in a Lightning uniform, but his fantasy value may actually take a hit because he will probably see less minutes behind Victor Hedman. McDonagh boosts the Lightning’s blueline a lot and make them and solidify them as Stanley Cup favourites.
McDonagh missed Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh because he said his backed tightened up on him late in Saturday’s game vs. the Islanders. McDonagh was back on the Rangers second power-play unit this morning, so look for him to replace with Brendan Smith or Steve Kampfer in the lineup tonight. McDonagh is still searching for his first goal of the season, but is tied for 10th among defensemen in assists (19).
McDonagh skated with his teammates on Tuesday morning but will miss his fourth consecutive game with an abdominal strain. Despite not being available tonight, he is making strides towards a return and could be back in vs. the Hurricanes on Friday. Monitor his status as the week progresses.
McDonagh is battling a strained abdomen muscle and is set to miss another game this afternoon vs. the Canucks. With McDonagh still out, Steven Kampfer will remain in the lineup.
McDonagh missed Wednesday’s practice for “maintenance” reasons, but was on the ice for the morning skate and said he will play tonight vs. the Islanders. McDonagh has had a slow start to the season, posting just two assists in seven games.
McDonagh was held off of the this morning for “maintenance” reasons but head coach Alain Vigneault said he “should” play and will skate in the morning skate.
McDonagh was a late scratch on Tuesday, but will return to the lineup tonight in Dallas. McDonagh has an assist in three straight games and 17 points (1G / 16A) in 30 games this season. Expect Adam Clendening to sit.
