Coming off the good vibes from Saturday, the Rangers now may have a goalie controversy on their hands. Rather than going back to the tried-and-true, coach Alain Vigneault decided to play the hot hand for a second game in a row, turning to Cam Talbot, fresh off a career-high 35 saves in the Rangers' 5-2 win over Vancouver, for a second straight contest. This decision means that for the first time since Feb. 5-7, 2011, Henrik Lundqvist will sit consecutive games when healthy.
On paper, the decision is easier, as Talbot’s is 6-0 with a 1.48 GAA and .946 save percentage in his six starts since Oct. 26 as opposed to Lundqvist’s 2-5 record with a 2.58 GAA and .917 save percentage. in his seven starts since Nov. 12. However, usually games and decisions are not made just based upon stats, especially when you factor in Lundqvist's standing on the team, both as the #1 goalie and face of the franchise. When you then add in his pending unrestricted free agency after the season. The mix gets a lot murkier.
As Larry Brooks wrote today: "Talbot has been a revelation. The 26-year-old NHL freshman must have a weakness, but it sure hasn’t been exposed yet. The goaltender has played with exceptional poise. He covers the net well, he has a good glove, his rebound control is impressive, he moves the puck well and his lateral movement was outstanding in his Garden debut against the Canucks in which he faced a career-high 37 shots. Lundqvist, meanwhile, hasn’t quite been himself all year. He played extremely well in Dallas and Florida on his club’s recently-concluded trip, but couldn’t make the defining, game-saving stop that the Rangers have come to rely upon during The King’s reign on Broadway in either Tampa or Boston."
Talbot has given the Rangers a chance to win in every game he has started, making the decision to waive Martin Biron a wise one. While Lundqvist’s .921 even-strength save percentage ranks 17th in the NHL among the 27 goalies who have started at least half their team’s games. One other factor is that Rangers defense has been much more stout in front of Talbot then Lundqvist. Maybe it's the belief that Hank will save just about everything, so psychologically there may be a let down when he is in net as opposed to Talbot, since for him, the Rangers look to be playing much better and smarter positional hockey.
That failure to come up with the key save has been a criticism of him all season. The goal by Zdeno Chara on Friday was a backbreaker, as Lundqvist said he misread or guessed wrong as to where it was going. In my opinion, because he has struggled again up high this year, he cheated to cut that off, leaving a small gap down low which Chara used to blast the puck off him and into the net. To prevent from getting beat up high, Lundqvist was standing more upright and further out, this year, he looks to be back further and crouched more, which has led to more goals up high.
The easy argument, which is one Brooks and other have made is that the lack of a new contract, or even concrete talks, has played with or distracted Lundqvist, adversely impacting his performance on the ice. Again, I am sure that is a factor but don't think it is the critical one for his struggles. If it is, and he won't be the first, then all the talk about he would cut off talks if it was a distraction, then saying he will let his agents handle it was pure lip-service. In addition, the leverage that may have existed earlier the season now has been diminshed a bit given the fine play of Talbot. The Rangers can afford to take their time with reaching an accord with Lundqvist, though that will just add to the intrigue as each day that passes is another one closer to Hank becoming a UFA.
Whatever the reason for the issues he is having, sitting him today may help him work more with Benoit Allaire to figure out whatever is ailing him and it's nice that the team has a quality backup in Talbot to use. Eventually, the NHL will figure out Talbot's weaknesses, but for now, he provides a nice safety net behind Lundqvist, especially in situations like this. That said, Hank is still the #1 and face of the franchise, but the cache he had under Torts is now gone with AV in as the coach.
Vigenault has set himself up for major criticism is this move backfires, but you have to give him credit for having the courage of his convictions to make the move. Entering the season, you would have been looked at funny if you said the Rangers would have a goaltending controversy during the season, unless it was who would be the backup. Now, while it may not be a full-fledged one, a mild controversy as to the clear top dog may have ensued. If Talbot goes again Thursday versus Buffalo...well, you can fill in the rest of the statement.