**Rangers Edge Sharks 3-2, But Chytil's Injury Overshadows Victory**

The New York Rangers' narrow 3-2 triumph over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden was quickly overshadowed by Filip Chytil's unexpected exit mid-game. Chytil was forced out after a collision with teammate K'Andre Miller during the second period, with Miller's shoulder appearing to contact Chytil's head. Although Chytil briefly returned to the bench, he only played one more shift before being sidelined for the rest of the game due to an upper-body injury. "Day to day," Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette commented, noting that Chytil was undergoing further evaluation.

The timing of Chytil's injury is especially concerning, given his goal to complete all 82 regular-season games this season for the first time in his career. His absence is a significant blow to the Rangers, considering his line with Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle has been one of the team's most effective units, outscoring opponents 11-0 during five-on-five play this season. Teammate Jimmy Vesey, who scored his second goal of the season to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead, emphasized Chytil's importance: "Fil's been a huge part of our team this year. Him and that whole line have been huge for us."

The Rangers' inconsistent performances in their last four games led Laviolette to reset some lineups, reverting to the Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafreniere line and specific defensive pairings. These adjustments seemed to pay off as the Rangers pulled ahead 3-1 by the end of the second period, thanks to a deflection goal by Trocheck off a feed from Panarin.

With Chytil's availability now in question, the Rangers face a tough situation. The team is particularly vulnerable at the center position, and Chytil has been a key player in recent games. The team hopes to have more information on his condition before their Saturday practice session, ahead of a four-game road trip.

Despite San Jose's improved performance over its last eight games, the Sharks' early goal didn't secure them a win this time. A much-needed goal from Mika Zibanejad helped rally the Rangers after San Jose initially took the lead. "It's always good to help the team, to score," Zibanejad noted, marking his first goal since October 22.

The Rangers desperately needed a win against the struggling Sharks, who have shown some improvement but remain one of the NHL's lower-ranked teams. Ultimately, while the Rangers secured the victory they needed, the potential loss of Chytil looms large over their win.