Maple Leafs' Clarkson, Gunnarsson suffer injuries, leave game vs. Rangers

TORONTO - Injuries hit the Maple Leafs hard against the Rangers.

Winger David Clarkson and defenceman Carl Gunnarsson each left Saturday night's game in the first period. Clarkson briefly returned after suffering an apparent left foot injury, while Gunnarsson did not return from the first intermission after suffering what looked to be an upper-body injury.

Clarkson blocked a shot from New York defenceman Michael Del Zotto midway through the first period. He hobbled to the bench and seemed to be in a lot of pain once there.

The 29-year-old, who has three goals and five assists this season, went to the bench shortly thereafter. Clarkson returned to the bench later and took one 21-second shift early in the second period before leaving again.

Minutes after Clarkson was injured, Gunnarsson took a hit from Carl Hagelin on his left shoulder, and the 27-year-old's right shoulder was rammed into the glass.

With Clarkson out, Jerry D'Amigo took his spot on Toronto's third line alongside Nikolai Kulemin and Jay McClement. With Gunnarsson out, Jake Gardiner filled in on the top defensive pairing alongside captain Dion Phaneuf.