Hartnett: The Rangers Are Going To Be VERY Hard To Beat When Henrik Returns
By Sean Hartnett
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Here's a statistic that should put a scare into the rest of the NHL: The Rangers have gone 8-1-2 without all-world goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers extended their point streak to a season-high nine games on Tuesday, defeating the visiting Calgary Flames 1-0. Without Lundqvist and Hart Trophy candidate Rick Nash, the Rangers were able to modify their game, putting on a defensive clinic throughout Tuesday's victory. Cam Talbot didn't have to work particularly hard to earn a 21-save shutout. This Rangers team has proven it can beat you in both barnburners and in tight, low-scoring games.
"Right from the start, there wasn't a lot of room on the ice," head coach Alain Vigneault said. "It was very tough to create opportunities. We knew that if he lost the puck, we had to pour back and help out defensively. (Calgary's) 'D' is really involved in all parts of (the) attack, especially on the rush. Our guys did a real good job. There weren't a lot of scoring chances on their part. We had a couple of looks and were able to get it done in the third period."
Since Dec. 8, no team has won more games (26) than the Rangers. They lead the NHL with a goal differential of plus-41. The Rangers remain two points behind the first-place Islanders with three games in hand. They have gone 9-1-2 in February.
Talbot has been sometimes splendid and occasionally shaky. Overall, he's been solid enough and has performed to expectations since being forced into the spotlight as the Rangers' temporary No. 1 goalie on Feb. 4. Talbot is 6-0-1 in his last seven starts.
Lundqvist last played on Feb. 2. In a Feb. 8 press conference, Lundqvist said that he would be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks. He has yet to be re-evaluated by doctors. Sunday, Mar. 1 would mark three weeks since Lundqvist's presser. As of Tuesday, the Rangers have said that Lundqvist has not undergone a follow-up evaluation.
In the words of Vigneault, Lundqvist is "coming along fine." Lundqvist's program has mostly been made up of on-ice and off-ice cardio sessions.
On Monday morning, Lundqvist worked out for 45 minutes with goaltending coach Benoit Allaire at the Rangers' practice facility in Greenburgh, N.Y. He faced only low shots. Lundqvist is recovering from a blood vessel injury that was caused by a shot hitting him in the throat on Jan. 31.
King Henrik has vowed to return when "it's safe to play." He will return to game action some time after the Mar. 2 trade deadline. By the time he returns, the Rangers might have a couple of new faces skating in front of him.
Should general manager Glen Sather acquire a bottom-six forward and a sixth defenseman who's an upgrade over Matt Hunwick and John Moore, the Rangers will have everything that's required for another serious run at the Stanley Cup.
The Rangers are looking really strong without Lundqvist and fellow Swede Jesper Fast, who is edging closer to returning from a right knee sprain. The 23-year-old winger has been a valuable piece of the puzzle, excelling as a defensively conscious forward. Fast has skated at recent practices in a non-contact jersey.
Should Sather come away with the needed depth acquisitions, Lundqvist's return to full health will be the final piece required for the Rangers to mount a Stanley Cup charge.
NASH MISSES GAME DUE TO NECK STIFFNESS
Nash missed his first game of the season due to neck stiffness. At 4:10 p.m., the Rangers called up 23-year-old Swedish center Oscar Lindberg.
Wearing No. 48, Lindberg made his NHL debut against the Flames. He skated for 8:18, delivered three hits and recorded two shots on goal. Lindberg was immediately sent back to Hartford following Tuesday's victory.
"I just tried to keep it simple and skate really hard," Lindberg said. "First couple of shifts, there (were) a little nerves. The more shifts I got in, I felt better and better."
Vigneault is not concerned by Nash's neck injury. He said that the injury was caused by "a bad sleep." Kevin Hayes took Nash's place on the left wing alongside Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello.
"We thought the neck might loosen up, but I got the call around 4:00 that he probably wasn't going to be able to play," Vigneault said. "This is just stiffness-related. He's had a lot of work on his neck. He's obviously started taking some medication there. We'll see how he reacts tonight and get a feel for it tomorrow."
The Rangers do not have a practice scheduled for Wednesday. The team will have a morning skate at Madison Square Garden prior to Thursday's game against the Arizona Coyotes. We'll know Thursday morning whether Nash is good to go against the 'Yotes.
Follow Sean on Twitter @HartnettHockey.
