The Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is presented annually to the Ranger who, as chosen by the fans, "goes above and beyond the call of duty." The award, which has been given annually since the 1987-88 season, bears the name of New York City Police officer Steven McDonald, who was shot and injured in the line of duty on July 12, 1986.
Talbot, 27, has posted a 20-9-4 record, along with a 2.21 GAA, a .926 SV%, and 5 SO in 35 appearances this season. He is tied for fourth in the NHL in SV%, ranks fifth in the NHL in GAA, and is tied for eighth in the league in SO in 2014-15. Talbot posted a 16-4-3 record, along with a 2.16 GAA, a .929 SV%, and 2 SO in 23 appearances from Feb. 4 - Mar. 26 while Henrik Lundqvist was out of the lineup with an injury. During the span, Talbot was named one of the NHL's Three Stars of the Week in back-to-back weeks for the weeks ending on Mar. 9 and Mar. 16. He allowed one goal or fewer in regulation in four consecutive team games, all of which were on the road, from Mar. 4 - Mar. 11, becoming the first goaltender in franchise history to accomplish the feat. Talbot also earned at least one point in nine consecutive appearances from Feb. 8 - Feb. 26 (7-0-2 record over the span), becoming the first Rangers goaltender to do so since Mike Richter accomplished the feat during the 1996-97 season.
The Caledonia, Ontario native becomes the third goaltender to receive the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, joining John Vanbiesbrouck (1989-90) and Lundqvist (2005-06).
