Rangers put Patrick Nemeth into injured reserve on Wednesday, after eliminating the veteran defender for the five games leading up to his two-week sabbatical, and again in his first game against the Bruins on Tuesday.

Team policy prevents The Rangers from revealing the cause, but Nemeth is believed to be dealing with the lingering effects of his fight with COVID-19 in late December.

Nemeth entered COVID protocol on December 18, but the 30-year-old didn’t miss a match due to a brief lull in the Christmas schedule. Once Scan protocols for COVIDNemeth admitted that he experienced some cold-like symptoms in the first two or three days before they cleared up.

After skiing in the two games on the Rangers’ trip to Florida on December 29 and 31, Nemeth sat out his first two games of 2022 against the Lightning and Oilers before being added to his non-list status on January 5.

The lack of roster spanned over the next two games against the Golden Knights and Ducks. Nemeth then returned to the squad in the January 10 loss to the Kings and skated in the next five games. Before the 3-2 penalty shootout win over Los Angeles, coach Gerard Gallant said there was a “shy” defender, who was later confirmed to be Nemeth after the Swede was scratched.

Upon returning from the All-Star break, Nemeth was fully involved in the pre-game Boston training.

Nemeth, who signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal with Rangers as a free agent in offseason last season, has made 38 appearances so far as part of the third duo. He sent assists while averaging over 17 minutes per game.

By taking advantage of their protective instincts on Tuesday against the Bruins, Rangers set the tone for how to respond to opponents who dare to approach goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin.

In the second period of Rangers win the final 2-1 on penaltiesBruins star David Pastrnak decked out a batch from defensive man Adam Fox and signed Shesterkin, who was playing disc. Pastrnak hadn’t even made it to the Bruins’ seat for a change before Ryan Reaves flipped the front line forward.

Craig Smith was the next Bruin to get very close to Chesterkin, after breaking into the wing Favorite Vezina Cup On the way to the network. Without hesitation, Alexis Lavrinier pounced and chased after Smith.

“Obviously we are very confident in both our goalkeepers,” said defender Ryan Lindgren. “They both played very well this year. Igor, he’s had some games where he definitely stole them for us. Especially early in the year. He’s been really good all year. We’re very confident in him – and [Alexandar Georgiev].

“The way Igor plays the ball, especially as a defensive man, you are very confident. It helps you a lot. When the pucks are cleared and he is out and playing, some of the balls he saves are clearly unbelievable.”