The New York Rangers got a big divisional win on Saturday afternoon, but it came at a price.
Captain Ryan McDonagh was knocked out of the game after he took a sucker-punch from Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds.
McDonagh wasn’t innocent here. He delivered a cross-check to Simmonds’ head moments before the punch.
To watch the entire sequence, click here.
Getting back to the game...
With the Flyers leading 2-1 in the dying moments of the game, defenseman Keith Yandle beat Steve Mason to force overtime.
Philadelphia’s struggles continued in the shootout.
They missed on both their attempts (Sam Gagner and Claude Giroux) while the Rangers converted on both their attempts (Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan).
Step with the shootout winner for #NYR!! pic.twitter.com/p6y6kTuUxs
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 6, 2016
After the game, both sides addressed the Simmonds/McDonagh incident.
Marc Staal on Simmonds punching McDonagh: "it’s a cheap shot absolutely. There is no place for it. We’ll see what he gets for it."
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) February 6, 2016
Yandle:"We knew the best way to help Trucker's spirits out was to get a win." #NYR (That's Ryan McDonagh who they call MacTruck aka Trucker)
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 6, 2016
Hakstol says he's just happy Simmonds was OK after taking a cross-check to the side of the head.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) February 6, 2016
It’ll be interesting to see how the NHL’s Department of Player Safety handles this situation. Both McDonagh and Simmonds are at fault here, but Simmonds’ action caused an injury.
The shootout loss puts an end to Philadelphia’s three-game winning streak. The Flyers are three points behind the Red Wings for the final Wild Card spot in the East.