Coach John Tortorella confirmed the news that every Rangers' fan expected, Michael Sauer is sidelined with a concussion that he suffered from the hit laid on him by Dion Phaneuf. What I said at the time of the hit is what I will say now, it was borderline clean. The reason I use the word borderline is that if you watch the video at the 36-37 mark, it looks as if Phaneuf went high with the hit and was leaving his feet at the point of contact with his elbow making contact with his chin, though that may just be the follow through on the hit as he did not appear to be headhunting.
Sauer now joins Marc Staal on the sidelines, and if anyone watched the Staal, this one looked infinitely worse as Staal was hit by his brother after one step and check, while Sauer got hit with Phaneuf building up a head of steam. Hopefully, it's a mild concussion and he is back soon.
So now what? For Thursday, the pairings likely will be Girardi-McDonagh, MDZ-Eimngerand Woywitka-Stralman. The last four don't strike fear in anyone and MDZ is also banged up following his silde into the boards Monday. Tim Erixon is dealing with his own injury as he is naged up at Connecticut, so he is not an available option. As others have discussed, with Staal still out and concern has to be that Sauer might also be sidelined long-term, Glen Sather has to get on the phone and try and pry Shea Weber away from the Predators. Push the rumored Dubi/Wolski/prospect/#1 or #2 pick that has been rumored, or mildly up the ante as the Rangers are no longer in a true position of strength with Sauer. Stay away from re-signing Bryan McCabe, maybe explore the availaibility of Tyutin (though I hate the contract), Pitkanen (who also is now banged up) or Kaberle (though his contract is lousy as well).
Given uncertainty of Sauer's absence, the time to act and get another defenseman is now.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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