Torts says Brad Richards is healthy enough to play for #NYR this afternoon
Richards will play through a sore neck today in one of the more important games of the season. In his first season in the Big Apple, he scored 15 goals and 31 points through 45 games.
Cooke took Richards down hard in the Rangers’ zone at 8:23 of the period, with Richards also looking like he hit his head on the ice as he fell. Richards came back for the next shift but wound up playing just 2:38 in the third period.
Richards is arguably the team's most important player and his absence from the lineup would be a big blow. Couple that with his past history of concussions and the star center may miss some playing time.
Richards just given a maintenance day, according to Tortorella #NYR
Nothing to worry about regarding the team's top center. The way coach Tortorella has been using him, he likely will take the option a few more times this year.
Richards centering the third line gives the team three viable scoring lines. The native of Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island recently scored a goal and an assist while playing with Fedotenko.
That means Brad Richardson will be a healthy scratch for the first time.
After scoring 18 goals over the past two seasons, Richardson has only one assist through 15 games. Expect him to draw back in as the bottom two lines continue to rotate.
Through his first eight games as a Ranger, Richards scored a goal and five points. His demotion to the second line, or 1A line, gives the team a legitimate playmaker between two proven finishers. Expect him to revitalize the entire troika.
Brad Richards (groin) skating today after being off ice most of last two days. Hoping to play tomorrow vs Devs.
Certainly a step in the right direction. The 31-year-old pivot scored 28 goals and 77 points last season making him the top free agent. His new organization will try, however, to limit his time out at all costs.
Brad Richards, who missed part of Tuesday's practice with a sore groin, is not skating with his group today.
No word on the extent of Richards's injury but the Rangers will likely play it safe with their shiny new toy. The 31-year-old pivot scored 28 goals and 77 points last season making him the top free agent. His new organization will try, however, to limit his time out at all costs.
There are multiple reports now that Brad Richards has chosen to join the Rangers, though there is no word yet from either the team or from Richards or his representatives.