TARRYTOWN – Understandably, Filip Chytil has grown tired of trying to explain how he feels.
More than six months of starting and stopping after a suspected concussion and subsequent complications have exacerbated that frustration.
“I don’t know the percentage,” the Rangers forward said when asked how close it is to 100%. “There are too many people talking to me about those percentages. I’m not talking about that. I don’t know. Now I’m going to work every day and we’ll see what happens. But if I’m going to play, I’ll give my best.”
It would be unreasonable to expect Chytil to be fully fit considering the long layoff, but he believes he is close enough to help the team.
New York Rangers is caught between Stefan Noesen #23 and Brady Skjei #76 of the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs 2024 at the PNC Arena on May 9, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.”>
Unfortunately, he can’t seem to catch a break.
The 24-year-old made a thrilling return for New York’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series on May 9, which they appeared to overcome with ease. But he missed the next game due to illness and did not participate in the rest of the series, which the Blueshirts closed with an epic 5-3 comeback Thursday in Game 6.
“I felt great in that game,” he said Sunday in his first public comments since Game 3. “What happened next was just another experience for me and for the future. … That was a difficult moment.”
There was a sense of relief when it was determined that the illness was not related to his previous injury or any new head injuries, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke with lohud.com, part of the Keynote USA Network. Another source indicated that several players became ill during the Carolina series, and apparently an error made its way through the locker room.
It’s unclear whether Chytil’s absence for Games 5 and 6 was due to ongoing symptoms or a coach’s decision, but the Rangers are proceeding with caution given everything that has happened.
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Head coach Peter Laviolette has repeatedly refused to reveal his lineup options and likely won’t change that philosophy heading into the Eastern Conference finals against the Florida Panthers, which will begin with Game 1 on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Madison Square Garden. But Chytil, who once again participated fully in Sunday’s practice at the MSG Training Center, left no doubt about his preference.
“I want to play,” he said. “I didn’t join just to watch guys from the stands and take a vacation in New York and Florida. I want to play. I’m going to do my best every time they put me in the lineup.”
The Rangers’ options are increasing, with veteran Blake Wheeler also being cleared for full contact last week after missing more than three months with a lower-body injury that was initially feared to be season-ending.
“We’re working toward it,” Laviolette said of having all the players available. “Up until this point, everyone has been on the ice and, until recently, there haven’t been any restrictions on players.”
Chytil seems more likely to fit than Wheeler at this point, particularly considering his speed element and scoring advantage. He could rejoin the third line with Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko, which would once again slide Will Cuylle down to the fourth line with Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey and make the Rangers lineup look significantly deeper.
It remains a mystery if Laviolette decides to go that route, but Chytil seems ready and willing if asked.
“I feel very good now,” he said. “We have a couple more practices and I can work on my game. Let’s see what happens on Wednesday.”
Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers reporter for the Keynote USA Network. Read more about his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.
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