New York Islanders-New York Rangers: 5 Reasons The Game Is More Important To The Isles

Feb 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) uses his helmet to make a save against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Panthers 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

5. No Henrik Lundqvist

Listen, there’s no question that the Rangers haven’t missed a beat without Henrik Lundqvist, and when young Cam Talbot assumed the full time gig he looked very shaky.

The entire Metropolitan area could smell the panic running the blood of all blueshirt faithful – thinking Talbot was only a phenomenal backup goalie and would continue to struggle in the starting role.

Talbot looked very shaky, as he couldn’t fight through screens and was routinely giving up goals off of should be saves from blasts from the point. He yielded 28 goals in only nine games to begin his tenure as goalie.

However, the Rangers offense found its way and the team went 6-1-2 during that stretch. A funny thing happened since then too: Talbot has been phenomenal over his last six starts (4-1-1 with only 10 goals given up). He’s especially been great with the glove over the last two against the Blackhawks and Red Wings.

So why is it important to knock off the Rangers with Talbot in goal instead of Lundqvist? Because it is needed to knock the youngster down a few pegs.

The last thing in the world the Islanders need is a hot Talbot going into the playoffs if for some reason Lundqvist isn’t able to come back.

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