Rangers' Adam Sykora exits preseason game with lower-body injury

During the New York Rangers' preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils on September 21, Adam Sykora sustained a lower-body injury less than halfway through the first period. The injury occurred following a hard hit from Devils rookie Mikael Diotte, leading to Sykora being assisted off the ice and ruled out early in the second period. Sykora, who was competing for a spot on the Rangers' opening-night roster, logged just 2:49 of ice time. His absence may hinder his chances of making the team, given the strong competition for available roster spots. The Rangers' forward lineup has seen significant changes during the offseason, increasing the pressure on Sykora to perform. He had a solid previous season, contributing three goals and one assist in 11 games with the Rangers and finishing with 12 goals in 62 games at Hartford.

• 12:51 AMYahoo Sports — Rangers injury update: Adam Sykora forced out of preseason opener vs. Devils