PITTSBURGH -- New York Rangers Henrik Lundqvist practiced on Friday but his status for Saturday's playoff game against the Pittsburgh Penguins remains uncertain
Lundqvist played just one period in New York's 5-2 loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Wednesday after teammate Marc Staal's stick scraped the goaltender's right eye. Lundqvist met with a specialist on Thursday and was cleared to practice. The three-time All-Star said there is no damage to the eye and his vision is fine but remains concerned about slight swelling around the eye.
Lundqvist has made a franchise record 111 consecutive postseason starts for the Rangers. He said he considers himself lucky that Staal's stick didn't do more damage.
Coach Alain Vigneault is waiting until Saturday to decide whether to go with Lundqvist or backup Antti Raanta.