New York Rangers: Chris Kreider undergoes successful surgery, remains out indefinitely

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Chris Kreider (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Chris Kreider (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider has undergone successful rib resection surgery.

It seemed innocuous enough back in December when Chris Kreider left that night’s New York Rangers game. He disappeared and we later found out he wasn’t returning. It didn’t seem like it was something major at the time. Later we find out that Kreider has a blood clot and he is going to be out indefinitely. This obviously was a tough break, with Kreider being one of the team’s top players.

Kreider ended up needing rib resection surgery, which is often done to people with Thorassic Outlet Syndrome. Mets pitcher Matt Harvey was a patient that received this procedure, for example. The team never announced whether Kreider was diagnosed with the syndrome, just the fact that the surgery was necessary.

Well, according to the team, there is good news on that front. Kreider underwent successful surgery for the rib resection. However, he is still slated to be out indefinitely. In six weeks time, Kreider will be re-evaluated to determine when, and if he can return to the Rangers lineup this season.

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It goes without saying that the Rangers miss Kreider. Since he went out on December 27th, the Rangers have scored three or more goals only once. December 27th, they won 1-0 in a shootout. Obviously that could have gone the other way quickly.

Kreider is just such a big part of the game plan. With his size, speed and playmaking ability, it is tough for this team to sustain without him in the lineup for an extended period of time.

So far in 2017-2018, Kreider had posted 11 goals and 11 assists to total 22 points. Last year was a career-high in the goal scoring department with 28. The Rangers need to get this guy back.

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Right now, the Rangers have held themselves in playoff position. They know it’s going to be a while, if they are going to get Kreider back at all this year. They will have to dig deep in order to stay in the hunt all year long. Let’s see what they can do. With Henrik Lundqvist, you can never count them out.