Two key forwards out for the Rangers ahead of trip to Pittsburgh for Game 3

Despite the joy of winning Game 2 and evening out the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 1 apiece, the New York Rangers were dealt a significant blow after the contest when head coach Gerard Gallant announced forward Barclay Goodrow is being considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

He is not expected to take part in the remainder of the first round series against Pittsburgh, as his team travels there for Game 3 on Saturday. He also missed Game 2, won 5-2 by the Rangers at MSG on Thursday night. The series is tied at 1 in what has been a tight affair. 

Goodrow scored 13 goals and recorded 20 assists in the 79 regular season games he played during the 2021-22 season. He was a key member of the Tampa Bay Lightning during their Stanley Cup runs in both 2020 and 2021.

On top of that, Gallant also confirmed that forward Tyler Motte, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2023 fourth round pick at the trade deadline, has been skating, but remains out at the moment.

The issue with Motte is that his upper-body injury is considered significant, though it is reportedly not to his head. The time table for his return remains unsure, though Gallant did not reveal if he is expected to travel with the rest of his Rangers’ teammates to Pittsburgh ahead of Game 3 and 4, per NHL.com's Dan Rosen.