Rangers’ Lafontaine To Miss Rest Of Season

New York Rangers center Pat LaFontaine will miss the rest of the NHL season because of the head injury he suffered in a collision on March 16, the team said.

LaFontaine met with a neurologist in Chicago during the weekend in hopes of being cleared to resume playing. The doctor discovered that LaFontaine had suffered a Grade II concussion in a center-ice collision with teammate Mike Keane.

While LaFontaine, who has now had six concussions during 10-plus NHL seasons, said he is no longer suffering from headaches, he still feels lethargic at times.

LaFontaine, who needs 32 goals to reach 500 for his career, wouldn’t say if he planned to retire.

“I have no regrets whatsoever,” the 33-year-old LaFontaine said. “I’m proud to have played in this league this long.

“At this time, I’ve just been told what the doctor has said from the results. As time goes on, I’ll have the opportunity to evaluate everything and make the proper decision.”

Though LaFontaine was suffering from headaches after the collision, initial tests after the game showed he didn’t suffer a concussion.

The Rangers, who acquired LaFontaine from the Buffalo Sabres in September for a second-round draft pick and future considerations, have been cautious with him because of his history of concussions.

He missed 69 games last season due to post-concussion syndrome and joined the Rangers only after Buffalo refused to clear him to continue playing.

In 67 games this season, LaFontaine had 23 goals and 39 assists.

Murphy draws suspension

San Jose Sharks right wing Joe Murphy was suspended by the NHL for slashing Richard Matvichuk of the Dallas Stars in Saturday’s game.

The length of the suspension will be determined after a hearing.

On the ice

Terry Yake scored a goal and an assist during a four-goal second period, and Brett Hull picked up three assists to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 6-2 victory Monday night over the visiting San Jose Sharks.

At Toronto, Russ Courtnall scored a short-handed goal at 18:21 of the third period to give the Los Angeles Kings a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

At Boston, the Bruins got two goals from Anson Carter and two fluke goals off Colorado players in a 4-1 win over the Avalanche.