Barclay Goodrow returned to the New York Rangers’ lineup on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Kings after missing a game due to a facial injury. The 30-year-old player sported a full face guard and took his spot back on the fourth line. Head coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the importance of Goodrow to the team and made him a game-time decision. Goodrow was brought back to face a tough matchup with the Kings’ top line and played well despite just recovering from a facial injury that had him sidelined for two practices.
Goodrow left the game against the Ottawa Senators earlier in the week after getting hit in the face with a puck, causing him to lose at least one tooth. Despite the injury, Goodrow has played 24 games this season and averages one goal and two assists with 30 penalty minutes.
After two previous losses, Laviolette made a few lineup changes for the game against the Kings but kept the majority of the lines the same. The top line featured Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Blake Wheeler, while younger players were moved down to the third and fourth units.
The Rangers will have a day off on Monday before taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday at the Garden. Forward Riley Nash was reassigned to AHL Hartford after Sunday’s win.
Overall, Goodrow’s return to the Rangers’ lineup was seen as a positive after his recent facial injury, and the team looks forward to its upcoming game against the Maple Leafs.
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Photo credit nypost.com