Rangers LW Shanahan responsive in hospital

Feb 18, 2007 - 2:52 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- New York Rangers left wing Brendan Shanahan is recovering in the hospital after leaving Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period on a stretcher after a vicious open-ice collision.

Shanahan suffered an undisclosed injury after colliding with Mike Knuble and was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital to be examined. The Flyers' right wing also left the game.

Shanahan banged the back of his head on the ice and was unresponsive for a few moments. But he was talking to trainers as he left the ice to cheers from the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

"He is alert, responsive and aware of what's going on around him," Rangers coach Tom Renney said. "He doesn't recall the contact. It's always hard to see any of your players go down. It's tough, but we're going to have to overcome (his loss) and play in the spirit of what he's all about anyway. Hopefully, he won't be out too long."

The team did not say if Shanahan would remain in the hospital overnight.

Losing Shanahan, 38, for a significant period of time would be a major blow for the Rangers (28-25-5), who are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, five points behind Toronto for the final playoff spot.

In his first season with the Rangers after signing a one-year, $4 million contract, Shanahan leads the team with 28 goals. The All-Star also has added 26 assists while playing in each game this campaign.

A 19-year veteran, Shanahan has tallied 626 goals and 1,286 points in 1,408 career games. He scored his 600th career goal as a member of the Rangers against the Capitals in the season opener on October 5.

The Rangers also lost goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and defenseman Marek Malik to injuries earlier in the 5-3 loss. Lundqvist gave way to Stephen Valiquette for the start of the third period after being hit in the left arm with a hard slap shot, while Malik suffered a shoulder injury on a check behind his own net.

Lundqvist is expected to start Sunday's home game against Chicago.