NEW YORK -- New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said Monday he isn't feeling any ill effects from the undisclosed injury that forced him to miss the past two games. After being considered day-to-day with the nagging ailment, he was looking forward to getting back in the crease for the Rangers, who host their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, RDS).
"I feel good. I feel really good," Lundqvist said. "Now it's just about getting out there and playing well and stopping the puck and helping the team to get wins and take off."
The Rangers fared well in their franchise goaltender's absence, with backup and recent American Hockey League call-up Cam Talbot posting a 1-1-0 record against the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings while posting a 1.94 goals-against average and .934 save percentage.
After a nine-game road trip to start the season, Lundqvist was also looking forward to being back home at Madison Square Garden, especially after the Rangers' 3-6-0 record on that road swing.
"It's a good feeling to be back here. It's been a long way to come home with the preseason and the first nine games on the road. It's been a test for us," Lundqvist said. "I think everybody is really excited to start playing in front of our home fans and build some momentum here."
In a message on Twitter on Oct. 23, Lundqvist stated his recent injury had been bothering him for two weeks and that the time off was simply to heal and get back to 100 percent. He affirmed Monday the healing process was officially over.
"In the last few days I feel fine. It's not something I think about," Lundqvist said. "It happens sometimes. But now it's behind me. I'm just looking forward to playing."
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