Updated

New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal is out indefinitely after getting hit near his right eye on Tuesday.

The injury happened in the third period of Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Staal was hit by a deflected slap shot near his right eye and left the contest.

He was examined on Wednesday in New York by Dr. Mark Fromer, ophthalmologist, and Dr. Mendel Markowitz, maxillofacial surgeon. They said that the injury had improved and that they are optimistic that Staal will make a full recovery, but that he is out indefinitely.

On the season, his sixth in the NHL, Staal has two goals and nine assists in 21 games.