Amid the worst stretch of the season, the Rangers have been given a lifeline.
Kaapo Kakko has returned from long-term injured reserve and is scheduled to return to action in the Blueshirts' second straight matinee game against the Capitals on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
Although he missed 21 games with a lower-body injury suffered on Nov. 27 when he collided with Sabers defenseman Eric Johnson in the corner and fell awkwardly along the boards, Kakko helped the Rangers stop games. I will be back just in time for this. They suffered a season-high four consecutive losses.
“He's healthy. He's recovered,” head coach Peter Laviolette said of Kakko before the game. “He's been with us for a while. I'm glad he's back. In practice, he seemed to be skating well. He's protecting the puck. A little bit of separation. It's his first time back after so many years, and I'm sure he's excited to get back out there and play.”
Laviolette said there are no restrictions or ice time limits placed on the Finnish wing. Laviolette said he and the coaching staff are still discussing lineups.
Anton Breidt, who made his season debut and Rangers debut in Washington on Saturday, will likely be hurt.
Kakko had just two goals and one assist in 20 games before his injury, but the Rangers have had two AHL call-ups in the lineup over the past five games.
The team needs a boost and Kakko is the player who can provide that.
“I kind of miss everything a little bit when it comes to parentheses,” Laviolette said. “He protects the puck really well in the offensive zone. He's big. He's strong. He's young. He's fast. He's competent defensively, but he's certainly competent offensively. That's how you feel when you lose a player like that a little bit. So it's good to get him back on the ice.”
