NEW YORK -- New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, struck by a puck in the eye during Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, has been ruled out indefinitely but is expected to make a full recovery, the team announced Wednesday night.

According to a statement released by the Rangers, Staal has "improved significantly" since leaving the team's 4-2 win against the Flyers. He was examined by both Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist, and Dr. Mandel Markowitz, a maxillofacial surgeon. Staal will not need surgery.

The Rangers did not provide any timetable for his recovery or any further specifics about the nature of the injury.

Staal was hit by a tipped puck at the 5:45 mark of the third period and fell to the ice, flailing in pain. He spent several minutes face-first and bleeding onto the ice before skating off while covering his eye.

The 26-year-old defenseman, one of the team's top players on the back end, has two goals and nine assists in 21 games this season. He missed almost half of last season with a concussion.

The incident is not expected to result in any permanent damage. It is believed Staal will not suffer any loss of vision.