Cam Talbot in net tonight vs. Wild; Marc Staal sidelined but skating

I'm travelling today and Newsday's Will Sammon is filling in tonight at MSG. I'll be back for the Leafs game tomorrow, then on to DC and Florida as 2013 winds down.

Anyway, for Henrik Lundqvist, it’s time for a break.

Talbot will start Sunday instead of Lundqvist in the eighth game of what has been a catastrophic franchise-record nine-game homestand.

Lundqvist has started eight consecutive games, dating back to the win at Buffalo on Dec. 5. He surrendered at least three goals in each of the last seven games and the Rangers have won only once (1-4-2).

Talbot, 26, has played well in his role since being called up from the AHL on Oct. 15 (6-2-0, 1.74 GAA, .934), but hasn't started since a Dec. 2 loss to Winnipeg.

Also, in a good sign, Marc Staal, who sustained a concussion on Dec. 7, skated yesterday and planned to skate after today's morning skate at the Garden. Vigneault had said last week that the defenseman was doing better and working out off ice, no there's progress. .