Patrik Nemeth was able to joke about the timing of his bout with COVID-19 after his first practice back with the Rangers on Monday.
The 6-3, 228-pound defenseman, who was placed into COVID protocol Dec. 18, ended up spending his required days on the list without missing a game thanks to two postponements and the NHL’s extended Christmas Break.
"We didn't even play a game, so, that was good timing,’’ he said. "I didn't miss anything.’’
Nemeth was asked, playfully, if he got COVID-19 when he did deliberately, for that reason.
"Exactly, yes,’’ he said.