Rangers get crucial Blake Wheeler update ahead of Game 5 vs. Hurricanes

It looks like Wheeler could be an option as soon as Game 6 at PNC Arena — if the series gets that far — but the veteran will just be hoping his teammates can close out an excellent Hurricanes team in front of the home crowd on Monday night.

Wheeler was injured on a hit against the Montreal Canadiens back on February 15, and it was widely reported that he would miss the rest of the regular-season and playoffs with the ailment. After being placed on long-term injured reserve and ruled out for the regular-season, there wasn’t a lot of hope that Wheeler would be able to join the team at all.

Obviously, it’s a huge development from New York’s perspective; adding a proven performer of Wheeler’s caliber would be a huge boost to an already surging Rangers club.

The longtime Winnipeg Jet finished the 2023-24 campaign with nine goals and 21 points in 54 games.

Filip Chytil also on the ice, but also unlikely to play in Game 5

Filip Chytil made his triumphant return to the lineup in Game 3, the first time he had appeared in game action since November 2. Like Wheeler, Chytil was originally shut down for the year, but ramped up his rehab and recovery in time to participate in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Chytil was instrumental in the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022, eventually coming just short and losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. But he’s a key piece of this Rangers lineup, and after missing Game 4 with an illness, he returned to the ice for the morning skate on Monday as well, per Rosen.

“Everybody was out there for practice this morning, and that’s a real positive for our team,” Laviolette continued. “I’ll keep any lineup decisions I make to myself.”

Although the bench boss wouldn’t confirm whether or not Chytil would be in, the Czech forward did stay on late to get extra work with the scratches and didn’t participate in line rushes with any of the top four lines. Thus, “it does not appear the forward will play,” per Rosen.

Still, the fact that both Blake Wheeler and Filip Chytil are looking close to healthy is monumental for an already deep Rangers team. Although both are expected to sit out in Game 5, if New York is able to secure the win at home, it’s almost a guarantee both players will be an option for the Eastern Conference Final.

Puck drop at what promises to be a very loud Madison Square Garden is set for just past 7:00 p.m. ET.