Will Rangers make playoffs?

Rangers roster

Monday brought the Rangers news they didn't need when Pat LaFontaine collided with teammate Mike Keane and had to be taken to a hospital. LaFontaine has had five concussions in his career and any head injury at this point is potentially career-ending.

"It's a lot easier to get shaken up physically by any kind of jolt to the head going through the number of concussions he's had," Ranger goalie Mike Richter said. "But I think also psychologically, it's difficult. We're happy for him that's its not as severe as it could be. You don't push somebody who's dealing with head trauma like that. You give him time. We'll have to fill in the gap that he's left."

As if losing LaFontaine wasn't enough, the Rangers will face the key games of their season without another staple player. Jeff Beukboom who left Monday after blocking a shot with his leg, has a stress fracture of his left tibia. The defenseman will be shelved 10-14 days.