Cam Talbot will make his second straight start in the Rangers’ net tonight at home to Toronto, the 26-year-old receiving the nod once again over struggling Henrik Lundqvist.
The difference in numbers between the two goalies is a stark one -- Talbot is 7-2-0 with a .936 save percentage; Lundqvist is 10-15-2 with a .905 save rate.
“The way he’s playing, and we got a big win yesterday, I kind of expected it,” Lundqvist said of coach Alain Vigneault’s decision, per Newsday. “It’s about winning, this team getting points and he’s doing really well. I have to push myself to be a little bit better to help the team get points here.”
Yesterday, Talbot stopped 24 of 25 shots in a 4-1 win over Minnesota. And, of course, his solid play comes not long after Lundqvist signed a big seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension.
For now, Lundqvist is “just trying to work hard and stay positive.” But staying positive hasn’t been easy this December, during which his save percentage has been a lowly .874.
The Rangers are in Washington Friday for their first game after the Christmas break. If Talbot plays well and wins again tonight, will he get a third straight start?