NEW YORK -- Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan was released from the hospital Sunday, one day after he was knocked unconscious and taken off the ice on a stretcher.
Then he made a surprise visit to New York's dressing room about an hour before the club's 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
"It didn't hurt, that's for sure," Rangers coach Tom Renney said. "It was good to see him standing up."
The 38-year-old left winger sustained a concussion when he slammed into Philadelphia's Mike Knuble during the third period of New York's 5-3 loss to the Flyers on Saturday.
Shanahan skated toward the bench as Knuble came the other way. Neither player saw the other and they slammed shoulder-to-shoulder. Shanahan went flying backward and struck his head against the ice at 7:27 of the period.
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| There is no timetable for Brendan Shanahan's return to the ice after this concussion he suffered. (AP) |
Renney said there were no signs of neurological damage, and Shanahan left the hospital after a morning examination.
"He saw the neurologist and they are pleasantly surprised with where he is today," Renney said before Sunday's game. "It's not like he can play hockey in the next little while, but they're optimistic with where it sits this morning."
The biggest surprise was his appearance back in the locker room. Renney got a last-second warning before the star forward showed up.
"It was pretty inspirational to see him come when he is supposed to go right home and just rest," forward Matt Cullen said. "For him to go out of his way and do that shows how much he cares.
"It was really impressive."
There is no timetable for Shanahan's return to the lineup. Renney didn't know if the veteran of 19 NHL seasons has a history with concussions, but said he wasn't aware of any in recent years.
"Things settled down nicely overnight," Renney said. "It was a huge impact both ways. It'll take some time but we'll pay attention to what they're telling us.
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