Rangers confident in Talbot with Lundqvist out

NEW YORK -- New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot said he found out Tuesday night that he would be playing on national television Wednesday after learning Henrik Lundqvist had a neck injury.

Talbot didn't have to stand on his head in a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden, but for the Rangers, it's soothing to know they can rely on their backup goaltender to step in and perform when called upon.

In his first start since Jan. 15, Talbot made 18 saves to help the Rangers close the gap in the Metropolitan Division. New York is in third place, one point behind the New York Islanders and two behind the first-place Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I didn't really have to do a whole lot," Talbot said. "The guys did a great job in front of me. They didn't get too many Grade A chances tonight."

The Rangers said Wednesday morning that Lundqvist is day-to-day, and his status wasn't any different after the win. Coach Alain Vigneault did admit there's a chance Lundqvist will not be with the team this weekend; New York visits the Nashville Predators on Saturday before hosting the Dallas Stars on Sunday.

If that's the case, Vigneault said he is comfortable starting Talbot. New York recalled Mackenzie Skapski from Hartford of the American Hockey League to be Talbot's backup.

"I've got a lot of confidence in Cam, his teammates have got a lot of confidence in him," Vigneault said. "If he needs to go, then he'll be ready."

Talbot is 5-4-1 with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. If he is called on Saturday, it will be the first time he'll start two in a row this season.

"He's done it many times before," Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh said. "Last year, there was a stretch [Henrik] was out with an injury and [Talbot] just went about his business. The best part about him is he never complains, works real hard in practice, stays out afterwards and makes sure he's sharp on everything. When he's in there, you can just see his calm presence, and he continues to play the puck well in good spots. It's a no-different mindset for us."

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