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Mystery surrounds Rangers’ captain McDonagh after first period (Updated)

New York Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins - Game Three

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 20: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers looks on in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on April 20, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh didn’t take his first shift of Game 7 until almost 13 minutes had already ticked off the clock.

It will be interesting to hear an explanation following the game as to why this was the case.

McDonagh was seen on the Rangers bench during the national anthem, but he went to the dressing room with head athletic trainer Jim Ramsay, according to Dan Rosen of NHL.com. He later emerged from the locker room before playing a 53-second shift that started at the 12:41 mark of the opening period.

He played only three shifts in the first 20 minutes, so that’s a development to keep an eye on for the remainder of the game.

The Rangers decided to go with seven defensemen, putting Matt Hunwick into the lineup, despite having not played since April 24.

In Game 6 of the series, McDonagh was on the receiving end of a heavy Steven Stamkos hit into the boards.

Updated: McDonagh played 12 shifts in the second period, for a total of 8:23 of ice time.

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