Ryan Callahan Done for the Season: What This Means for the Playoffs

After breaking his ankle blocking a Zdeno Chara slap-shot, Ryan Callahan may be done for the season. Though he has yet to be officially ruled out, it looks as if the New York Rangers will be without his services for the duration of the regular season and the 2011 NHL playoffs.

The gritty winger has amassed 23 goals and 25 assists this season. But his value has come from more than his offense—he’s a hard-nosed, hard-working player who plays solid two-way hockey, and is a great leader for the Rangers.

The Rangers have yet to clinch a playoff spot, and they have two difficult games remaining against the Atlanta Thrashers and the New Jersey Devils. They control their own destiny, and winning out will ensure they hold down a playoff spot. The loss of Callahan is a major blow to a team that can struggle to score. Now, a big part of their identity will be missing as they push forwards into the postseason.

A player like Callahan is a perfect playoff performer. He plays defensively and responsibly, can contribute on offense and has the ability to spark a team—much like Mark Messier did back in 1994. Without Callahan, the Rangers will need to continue playing their game without one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. They can’t allow their work ethic to slip in the absence of the one player who defined their style. Other players will need to pick up his offensive production, and there is not a lot of time for them to make these transitions.

With only two regular season games remaining, every minute of practice and game-time counts. This will be a major challenge for the Blueshirts, but the way the team has played this year suggests that they will find a way. Regardless, Callahan will certainly be missed by New York.

Article by the Penalty Flag Sports Blog and Dustin Glasner (Featured NHL Journalist)

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