Marian Gaborik has a team-high 35 goals this season.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Rangers leading scorer Marian Gaborik missed New York's game against Nashville on Wednesday night because of a cut on his right leg caused by the skate of teammate Henrik Lundqvist one day earlier in practice.

Gaborik, who has a team-high 35 goals and 69 points, was ruled out by Rangers coach John Tortorella about two hours before game time. Gaborik was injured Tuesday during a breakaway drill when he tried to jump over Lundqvist, but collided with the goalie.

Tortorella wasn't at practice Tuesday when Gaborik was hurt because he attended the funeral in Massachusetts for Brendan Burke, the son of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke.

Tortorella said he spoke to team trainer Jim Ramsay on Tuesday night and again Wednesday morning and determined that Gaborik wouldn't be able to play against Nashville.

"It wasn't a good chance because it just swelled up," Tortorella said. "It's a pretty nasty gash. We're fortunate it wasn't more serious than it was. After a couple of days, I think it'll calm down."

Tortorella listed Gaborik's status as day to day, and hopes the star forward will return Friday night at Pittsburgh. The Rangers will also play Tampa Bay at home on Sunday before the NHL breaks for the Vancouver Olympics. Gaborik is expected to play for Slovakia at the Winter Games.

There is no thought by the Rangers to keep Gaborik out until the break.

"Not a chance," Tortorella said. "If he can play, he'll play. He's our best player."