New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, struck near the right eye by a deflected shot in a National Hockey League game, has improved and is expected to make a full recovery but is out indefinitely.
The Rangers updated Staal’s condition in a statement Wednesday night, a day after he suffered the frightening injury in New York’s 4-2 home victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Staal, who plays without a visor, left the game 5:45 into the third period after being struck by a slapshot deflected off the stick of the Flyers’ Jakub Voracek. Staal was bleeding before being escorted off the ice.
“Marc Staal was examined today in New York by Dr. Mark Fromer, ophthalmologist, and Dr. Mendel Markowitz, maxillofacial surgeon,” the Rangers said in a statement.
“The injury has improved significantly and both doctors are optimistic that Marc will make a full recovery. Staal will be sidelined indefinitely.”
Staal missed the first 36 games of last season after suffering a concussion. He has two goals and assists on nine others in 21 games this season.
Doctors optimistic Staal will make full recovery
