Lundqvist seems to be OK
Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers prepares to play against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden. (March 23, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
PITTSBURGH -- Will Henrik Lundqvist be healthy enough to shoot for his 40th win of the season in Saturday's home finale against the Capitals?
Seems like it.
Lundqvist, who was struck on the back of the right forearm by Claude Giroux's one-timer late in the second period Tuesday night in the Rangers' victory over the Flyers, practiced Thursday and said he could have played Thursday night if necessary.
"It feels OK, I guess," Lundqvist said. "It's pretty stiff and sore, but it's getting there. If I had to play, I'd be out there. It's not a big concern. This is a good opportunity for me to get in a good practice and a little rest . . . It's just soreness, it's not going to get worse. I'll be fine . . . It won't affect my game or the way my protection is built."
He did say he was gripping his stick with two fingers instead of five.
Coach John Tortorella went with backup goalie Martin Biron in Thursday night's 5-2 loss to the Penguins. As for playing Saturday, Lundqvist said, "I told Torts I like the way he's planned this out. I've gotten a lot of games, a lot of action. Marty's getting a game, so that's good for everybody."
Playing to win
Tortorella warned not to expect any strategic changes in the final games of the season. "We're going to coach to try to win our games," he said. "We're in a situation . . . I'm not sure how we can affect anything. I just want to keep the integrity. I want us to play. I think if players start thinking "let's just get through it," that's where injuries occur."
Rupp OK after fight
Despite a sore neck after taking several hard punches from former Ranger Jody Shelley in their fight Tuesday, Mike Rupp was in the starting lineup. Rupp said he did not have any concussion symptoms. John Scott, Jeff Woywitka and Steve Eminger were scratched. Injured James Neal, Steve Sullivan and Matt Niskanen were scratched for the Penguins, but coach Dan Bylsma expects them to be ready for the playoffs.
Momentum?
Biron, a 15-year veteran, said momentum going into the playoffs can be deceptive. "It's a discussion that can go either way,'' he said. "Some teams can go good after finishing strong, some teams don't. There's no secret recipe. Right now we're playing well, but you have to be mentally ready and prepared to make adjustments."
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