News and notes from around the blue paint...
Talbot starts for Blueshirts
The Rangers will rest Henrik Lunqvist -- coming off a silver medal-winning performance in Sochi -- tonight when they host the Blackhawks at MSG, giving Cam Talbot the start.
Talbot has been great for the Rangers this season, providing stellar backup play since replacing Martin Biron as Lundqvist’s No. 2. Talbot’s 10-5-0 on the year with a 1.79 GAA and .935 save percentage, but does face a tough test tonight in the high-flying Blackhawks.
Speaking of the ‘Hawks, Corey Crawford will get the nod tonight.
Ortio to make Flames, NHL debut
Special night for Finnish netminder Joni Ortio, as he’ll make his big-league debut against the Kings in Calgary. Ortio gets his chance with Karri Ramo shelved (lower body) and comes in on the heels of a solid campaign with AHL Abbotsford, where he’s 20-6-0 this season with a 2.22 GAA and .926 save percentage.
Ortio will be the fourth goalie to suit up for the Flames this year, joining Ramo, Reto Berra and Joey MacDonald.
No word yet on who will start for L.A. Martin Jones played in last night’s 6-4 win over Colorado.
Elsewhere...
Blue Jackets at Devils: Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Cory Schneider
Leafs at Isles: Jonathan Bernier vs. Evgeni Nabokov
Sharks at Flyers: Alex Stalock vs. Steve Mason
Habs at Pens: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh, no word yet on Montreal’s starter.
Capitals at Panthers: Braden Holtby vs. Tim Thomas
Red Wings at Sens: Jonas Gustavsson vs. Robin Lehner
Lightning at Preds: Carter Hutton for Nashville, no confirmation from Tampa yet.
Coyotes at Jets: Ondrej Pavelec for Winnipeg, Mike Smith likely for Phoenix.
Hurricanes at Stars: Anthon Khudobin vs. Kari Lehtonen
Wild at Oilers: Darcy Kuemper vs. Ben Scrivens