The New York Rangers announced today that center Eric Christensen has suffered a second degree sprain to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, and will be sidelined four to six weeks.
For fans of the Connecticut Whale that means that Dale Weise is likely going to remain in New York for, at very least, that period of time. If Weise impresses enough in that span, it could mean that like Mats Zuccarello, that Connecticut Whale fans have seen the last of the Whale’s most vocal and talented player.
Fortunately for the Whale though, with the assignment of Todd White and the recent signing of Jason Williams, the Whale have a a plethora of talent to pick up the slack.
Weise will play in his second NHL game Friday evening when the New York Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Florida at 7:30pm.
Meanwhile, your Connecticut Whale have a 5:30pm start as they take on the Portland Pirates in the backend of their sixth home-and-home series of the season.
The Whale defeated the Pirates in overtime 2-1 Wednesday night.
Here’s the official release on Christensen’s injury.
ERIK CHRISTENSEN INJURY UPDATE
Expected to be out of the lineup for four to six weeks
New York, December 30, 2010 – New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that Erik Christensen has suffered a second degree sprain to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, and will be sidelined four to six weeks.
Christensen was examined by Dr. Anthony Maddalo and had an MRI performed earlier today. He sustained the injury during a 3-1 win at New Jersey last night. Christensen has registered six goals and eight assists for 14 points, along with 12 penalty minutes in 37 games this season.
