Steve Zipay of Blue Notes has reported that back-up goaltender Stephen Valiquette will start in his second consecutive game tonight in Calgary. While this may be a bit puzzling, head coach John Tortorella has provided a half-way reasonable explanation as to why he has made the decision to sit Lundqvist. Apparently Hank is a bit sore after playing in Tuesday's contest against the Vancouver Canucks and according to Torts, "needs more rest." So with that, you can make a case that Lundqvist should not be forced to play when not 100 percent, but at the same time it is a big game that we would prefer to see our all-star goaltender in net.
Nonetheless, Vally will get the nod, coming off of a 26 save effort on Thursday night in Edmonton. However, the two goals he did allow were on the soft side, and that cannot happen against Jarome Iginla and the Flames this evening.
Also, it appears that Donald Brashear and Aaron Voros will be the scratches in this one. That means Dane Byers, missed last game due to suspension, will be in the lineup for the fourth time this season. At this point, I am not sure that Brashear is being held out because of an injury, rather a case of Torts liking what he has seen from Byers more.
Rangers/Flames Pregame later....
(Sent using my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry)
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