A concerning moment unfolded during the Rangers' dominant 6-1 victory over the Penguins on Saturday night. Defenseman Carson Soucy, 31, suffered an upper-body injury in the second period, leaving the game prematurely and casting a shadow over the team's triumph.
Soucy's injury occurred when he collided with the boards while attempting a hit on Penguins' wing Rickard Rakell. Despite skating off under his own power, the incident raised concerns about the severity of the injury. The Rangers confirmed Soucy's absence for the remainder of the game at the start of the third period, leaving his status uncertain.
But here's where it gets controversial... The focus quickly shifted to the return of Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan to Pittsburgh. Sullivan, who coached the Penguins for a decade, was welcomed back with a heartwarming video tribute and a standing ovation. He expressed gratitude for his time in Pittsburgh and the success achieved with the team. However, the emotional reunion took a backseat to the concern surrounding Soucy's injury.
Adam Fox, a fellow defenseman, spoke about the impact of losing a teammate mid-game, emphasizing the need for simplicity and caution in such situations. Sullivan, despite not providing an update on Soucy's condition, acknowledged the challenge of facing his former team and players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
As the Rangers prepare for their next game, the status of Soucy remains a key question. With Igor Shesterkin starting Saturday night and Jonathan Quick expected to make his season debut on Sunday, the Rangers' defense will need to adapt. Rookie Noah Laba, who notched his first NHL points in Saturday's win, will also be looking to make an impact.
So, what do you think? Is the focus on Sullivan's return overshadowing the concern for Soucy's injury? Should the Rangers be more concerned about their defensive depth moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
