MONTREAL — Ryan Lindgren made his season debut against the Canadiens on Tuesday after undergoing jaw surgery while on injured reserve.
“Obviously I was really excited to be back and be able to play with the guys again,” Lindgren said after the Rangers' 7-2 win at the Bell Center. “I'm really happy to play again. I think it was a really good game for us and a good team win. It's a good way to end the road trip.”
The Rangers are dealing with an injury injury ahead of Game 3, the final of a three-game series against North Up, after the 26-year-old defenseman missed two more games than the minimum required week on the sideline. Lindgren was appointed from the reserves.
Lindgren confirmed that he injured his jaw in a fight with Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield during the Blueshirts' second preseason exhibition game on Sept. 24.
Lindgren, who caught several uppercuts, has been wearing a full face shield since returning to the ice for practice.
“I ended up having surgery,” he said. “I've been skating for a while, obviously skating with the bubble. I'm just getting used to it. It's feeling good right now.”
Despite Lindgren's return, the Rangers' top four defense remained intact.
Adam Fox remained with Quandre Miller, and Braden Schneider continued to skate to the left of captain Jacob Trouba.
Lindgren lined up next to Victor Mancini, who played in all six games for Rangers since the start of the season.
“He's a guy with heart and soul,” Laviolette said of Lindgren, who signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract to remain with the Rangers this offseason. “He plays hard every shift, every game. He gives everything he's got. That's how you feel when you take a player like that out of the lineup. It would be nice to get him back there. hey.
“He came back after being away for a bit at first, but his influence will be felt and the more he plays, the better he will get.”
Lindgren's return leaves Chad Ruhwedel, who made his season debut Saturday in Toronto, out of the lineup.
In 14 minutes, 04 seconds of ice time against the Maple Leafs, Ruwedel had two hits and four blocks.
Zach Jones, who played in the first four games, was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive tournament.
Igor Shesterkin made 21 saves on 23 shots in the Rangers' win, making his fifth start of the season.
Artemi Panarin, who assisted on Mika Zibanejad's first-half goal, extended his season-opening point streak to six games.
