Is Blake Wheeler available for Game 1 against Panthers? Rangers star hints at his return for Round 3

New York Rangers fans have received some positive news before the Eastern Conference final against the Florida Panthers. Veteran forward Blake Wheeler hinted that he might return for Game 1 on Wednesday, May 22.

Wheeler, who has been sidelined since February with a serious leg injury, expressed his readiness to rejoin the lineup in any capacity he can offer. In his first interview since the injury, Wheeler reflected on the initial uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline, per NHL reporter Mollie Walker on Sunday. However, with determined effort and dedication, he has progressed significantly.

"The initial recovery timeline didn’t look very good, but we just got after it right away. I just want to be back with the guys, with the group on the ice in any capacity I can," Wheeler said.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette affirmed that Wheeler has been doing everything possible to make himself available for selection.

"Wheeler is going to do everything he can to make himself a possibility for the lineup," Laviolette said (via ESPN).

"Everybody’s out on the ice. Everybody to this point has been out on the ice. As of recently, there’s not been any restrictions."

Blake Wheeler could join New York Rangers starting game 1 of the Eastern Conference final

The NHL Eastern Conference final will be played between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers. The Rangers, who secured the Presidents' Trophy, are back in the conference final, and this will be the second time that they have done so in the last three years. This season, they swept the Washington Capitals in the first round and defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in six games in the second.

The Florida Panthers are also looking strong this season. They beat the Boston Bruins once again to head further into the playoffs. Last season, they overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Bruins in the first round, and this time, the Panthers have done it in the second. They are confident and showing signs of a Stanley Cup championship run.

Due to their superior regular-season record, New York will host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 if necessary. The schedule is as follows (marked ones will take place only if necessary):

• Wednesday, May 22: Florida at NYR, 8 p.m.
• Friday, May 24: Florida at NYR, 8 p.m.
• Sunday, May 26: NYR at Florida, 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 28: NYR at Florida, 8 p.m.
• *Thursday, May 30: Florida at NYR, 8 p.m.
• *Saturday, June 1: NYR at Florida, 8 p.m.
• *Monday, June 3: Florida at NYR, 8 p.m

All times are EST.