Blake Wheeler replaces Filip Chytil in Rangers' Game 4 lineup
SUNRISE, Fla. - Blake Wheeler is the latest Ranger to make a dramatic and unexpected playoff comeback.
The 37-year-old forward took warmup rushes prior to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday, a clear indication that he'll be inserted into the lineup following a three-and-a-half month layoff.
Wheeler suffered a right-leg injury on Feb. 15 that would require surgery and was feared to be season-ending. But he told lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, that once doctors got to "(see) how things looked when they went in to operate," they realized a return this season might be possible.
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The Rangers have held up their end of the bargain by going deep into the NHL playoffs to buy the 6-foot-5, 222-pounder extra time for rehab, while he did his part by putting in the work to give them that option.
"I just knew there was an opportunity for this team to do something pretty special," Wheeler said. "I just wanted to be healthy and available. That was kind of my focus and my goal."
A spot was opened for Wheeler after Jimmy Vesey suffered an upper-body injury in Game 2 on Friday and Filip Chytil was scratched on Tuesday.
One person with knowledge of the situation indicated that Chytil is healthy, but the team is trying to manage his workload after he missed more than six months with his own injury issues. The 24-year-old appeared in each of this series' first three games, logging a total of 33:36 time on ice in a span of five days.
Jack Roslovic slid up to reclaim the top-line right-wing spot where Chytil played the previous two games, while Wheeler back-filled as the left winger on the fourth line with Barclay Goodrow and rookie Will Cuylle.
Wheeler posted 21 points (nine goals and 12 assists) in 54 games prior to his injury this season, with 45 points (10 goals and 35 assists) in 65 career playoff games.
"If I go in," he said Monday," they know I'm going to go through a brick wall for this team."
Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Blake Wheeler replaces Filip Chytil in Rangers' Game 4 lineup
