Peter Laviolette opens up on Blake Wheeler's return from major injury

The New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette opened up on Blake Wheeler's return from a major injury in his press conference following the game 4 loss against the Florida Panthers.

Despite missing several months of action, the veteran Wheeler remained close to the team in the playoffs, hoping to eventually return to help the Rangers win.

Wheeler finally returned last night. Even if he was on the ice for a mere 9:18 in the 3-2 loss, it's not bad for his first game in nearly four months.

After the game, Laviolette talked about Wheeler's return and what he thought of his performance, despite the penalty that cost the Rangers the game:

"Yeah, I mean, he's jammed up there on that call and just worked backward. But he came out and I thought he gave us some good minutes. It was a long road for him to get back and I thought he came in -- there were times where Goodrow, Rempe and Wheeler put it in the offensive zone and they actually stayed down there and were able to occupy some time and spend some minutes down there. So, for his first game back in a while I thought he was good."

Do you think Blake Wheeler will be in the line up for game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers?

Previously on Hockey OTB

Chris Kreider throws Matthew Tkachuk's mouthpiece into the crowd after scrum

Brenden Dillon comments on potentially playing for the Vancouver Canucks

Oilers security spotted swearing at little kid and being aggressive with the dad

POLL
29 MAI \| 140 ANSWERS Peter Laviolette opens up on Blake Wheeler's return from major injury Do you think Blake Wheeler will be in the line up for game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers?
Yes	71	50.7 %
No	69	49.3 %
LIST OF POLLS