WATCH: Rangers defenseman in mid-season form at Da Beauty League
Whether it’s the middle of the NHL season, in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, or simply playing in a fun summer league game, the puck always finds a way to hit New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren.
Whether he’s, you know, doing his job and blocking a shot — something he’s done 456 times in 328 games since the start of the 2019-20 season — or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, Lindgren is a puck target. It’s part of what has made him one of the toughest players in the NHL.
Well, it happened again Wednesday night. Participating in a summer league game in the Da Beauty League, Lindgren went to the net to set a screen or look for a deflection as an offensive player in the 4-on-4 contest. Of course, neither of those things happened and instead Lindgren was drilled by a shot from one of his teammates as he skated in front of the goalie.
The rugged 26-year-old skated to the bench after appearing to be hit in the lower body. Just another night on the ice for Lindgren, who has a well-earned reputation for playing through pain, cuts, bruises and more significant injuries.
That ability to grind through when his body is far from 100 percent has endeared Lindgren to Rangers fans, as well as his teammates and coaches. It’s a rare day when he’s actually not banged up in one way or the other. Perhaps that’s why the Rangers are somewhat reticent about signing him to a long-term contract with unrestricted free agency waiting for him at the end of next season.
Lindgren does have a salary arbitration hearing scheduled with the Rangers on Aug. 2, though the sides are hoping to get a deal done before then.
WATCH: Ryan Lindgren scores another beauty in summer league game
Rangers’ Jonny Brodzinski scores goal in summer league play
Jonny Brodzinski, Lindgren’s teammate on Team Walser in Da Beauty League and, of course, with the Rangers, had a more pleasant experience Wednesday night. Moving to his left, Brodzinski snapped a shot from the right circle past the opposing goalie’s gloved hand for a sweet goal in a game Walser eventually lost 11-7, after allowing nine goals in the second half.
The Rangers center, who scored six goals and finished with 19 points in 57 games last season, earlier assisted on a goal by defenseman Nick Jensen. Yes, that’s the same Nick Jensen whose knee-on-knee hit in the first-round of the playoffs slowed Lindgren’s defense partner with the Rangers, Adam Fox, for the remainder of the postseason.
Twenty degrees of separation, or something like that.
Speaking of which, Brodzinski’s brother, Bryce, had two goals and an assist for Walser, as did Jensen.
The once-per-week games in Da Beauty League are divided into two 23-minute halves. There are four teams taking part, each trying to win the championship keg of beer later in August.
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