Feb. 17, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals center Matt Hendricks (26) and New York Rangers right wing Darroll Powe (8) collide on the ice during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

It appears my theory was correct, Darroll Powe has a concussion. Powe has been officially placed on IR by the team. It is unknown how long Powe will be away from the lineup, but this injury could be very bad.

As a result of the injury, Brandon Mashinter has been recalled from the Connecticut Whale. Chris Kreider is still on the Rangers so it’s unclear who will take Powe’s spot in the lineup tomorrow night against Montreal.

I hope for Powe’s sake that he’s able to make a full recovery. I think all Rangers fans are now sensitive to players health after seeing what happened to Derek Boogaard, and what’s still happening with Michael Sauer. It’s tough seeing player’s lives be affected off the ice.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Bluelinestation.

Jan 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Darroll Powe (14) takes a shot against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

In some surprising news today, the Rangers have dealt Mike Rupp to the Minnesota Wild for forwards Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri. Palmieri will be sent to the Whale immediately.

Then the Rangers also called up 2011 first round pick J.T. Miller and Brandon Mashinter from the CT Whale.

Benn Ferriero has been sent down to the Whale. Interesting that he’s been sent down as I thought he’s been playing well.

The Rangers right now have 12 healthy any forwards, and it would appear the days of Stu Bickel playing forward are over. What a relief that is.

JT Miller’s call up is likely an experiment to see how he matches up against the big boys of the NHL. I don’t think Torts would call him up just to play him five minutes a night. That would be absurd. The team will want to see Miller get his feet wet with the NHL and then take it from there. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play a few games and then be sent down either.

We’ll have more news regarding lineups and such after tomorrow’s morning skate. Be sure to check out my pre-game and five questions before the game.