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.

Feb. 10, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Darroll Powe (8) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Brian Lee (15) crash into the boards during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

When the Rangers traded Mike Rupp I thought the Rangers were getting a player who could simply play fourth line minutes and not be a liability on the ice.

I think they got more than that in Darroll Powe. Powe right now is killing penalties and is adding some energy out on the ice. Basically he’s doing what Brandon Prust did minus the fighting.

One advantage I think Powe has over Prust is his skating ability. I miss Prust a lot but I don’t miss his poor skating. Powe knows his role on the team and isn’t afraid to get in the dirty areas.I think Powe will become a fan favorite for the Rangers shortly. Everyone loves a hard working player who will do what it takes to win. Just take his quote in the Daily News as exhibit a. Below is what he had to say about the goals he helped set up for Ryan Callahan and Arron Asham last night.

“I don’t care if I get a point or not. The team gets a goal and a big win, and for me that’s what it’s all about.”

I love it. I think the Rangers found a great replacement for Prust, and for $1.5 million a season cheaper.