Lundqvist hasn't played since March 7, when he made 43 saves in a 5-2 win at the Florida Panthers but sustained a hip injury in the process. He has been practicing for more than a week and admitted his patience is being tested.
"Last week I wanted to rush things, I wanted to get back to playing, but I think it's important that you stay smart about the whole situation," Lundqvist said. "Obviously the trainers and Benny [goalie coach Benoit Allaire] have had a lot of experience in similar injuries so they know how to set up the perfect game plan. If it was up to me I would be out there a lot longer and harder and I might hurt myself. It's been working out really well."
Vigneault admitted the Rangers' place in the standings is weighing into his decision to be patient with Lundqvist. The Rangers (45-24-4) are in position to be the first wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. They have a 16-point cushion on the Islanders, the best non-playoff team in the East.
"I would say if we would really need him tonight he might play," Vigneault said. "That's how good he is. He's that close. He's really been working hard. I think right now it's just a matter of us being smart about this and that's what we're going to do."
Raanta is 2-2-2 with a .901 save percentage in Lundqvist's absence.
"I've been able to rest a little bit and work really hard in practice and come back in good shape and really excited to play," Lundqvist said. "If I had to choose, of course I'm going to play all the time. This happens and you just have to make the most of it and see it as an opportunity to rest up, work on your game and fine-tune things."
