Rangers’ Lundqvist struck by stick of Staal, forced to exit Game 1 against Pens

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was forced to exit Game 1 of New York’s first round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night with an apparent injury.

The 34-year-old was struck by the stick of teammate Marc Staal as the defenceman wrestled for space in front of the net with 49 seconds left in the first period. Staal’s stick blade rose up and somehow managed to find a hole in Lundqvist’s mask, who immediately dropped to the ice in panicked concern.

Lundqvist remained in the game after consultation with team doctors on the bench, yielding a goal 30 seconds later to Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist.

The Rangers No. 1 goaltender didn’t come out to start the second period and wasn’t on the bench. He was replaced by backup Antti Raanta.

There was no immediate word from the Rangers on his status.