Cam Talbot has a huge opportunity this month. (Scott Levy, Getty Images)

The Rangers obviously endured a significant loss with the news that Henrik Lundqvist will miss around three weeks of the regular season but here’s the thing; if it was going to happen then now is the perfect time, in the perfect situation and with a great schedule coming up. Providing Lundqvist comes back 100% the Rangers may see this as a blessing in disguise.

A quick look at the Rangers busy schedule for the next three weeks and there are several games where, based purely on standings and opposition quality, the Rangers shouldn’t ‘need’ Lundqvist which begs the question whether Talbot would have been in line for more starts this month anyway. In February alone the Rangers have several ‘bottom feeders’ on tap.

The Sabres, Coyotes (twice), Leafs are all on the February schedule while the Flames, Flyers and Avalanche also play the Rangers and aren’t exactly intimidating opponents this season either. Given Alain Vigneault’s declaration that he knew which games Talbot was going to get moving forward, did he look at the rather friendly – and busy – schedule and had already planned a heavier workload for Talbot in February?

People worrying whether Talbot can handle the workload shouldn’t worry. He’s already seen quite a few of the teams that he’ll face this month. Just this season Talbot has faced the Leafs twice (one start), he’s blanked the Flyers twice and he’s faced the Isles and the Blue Jackets as well. Familiarity can breed confidence and Talbot won’t be seeing many teams this month that he hasn’t already faced this season.

Talbot’s record against the teams he’s already seen this year – that he’ll see again this month – is 2-2 with two non decisions. In those six appearances he’s conceded just nine goals which all came in his first two starts (Columbus and the Leafs). He didn’t concede against the Flyers twice nor did he concede in relief of Lundqvist against the Isles and Leafs. Are these statistics relevant? Maybe, maybe not but they certainly shouldn’t generate any concern.

Talbot will be hugely motivated in February. With twelve games on the February schedule remaining he’s likely to start between nine and ten of them. With only the Isles, Canucks and the Predators (minus Pekka Rinne) offering legitimate playoff bound opponents, if Talbot can reel off around seven wins he’ll boost an already impressive but brief resumé and certainly make himself more attractive in the goaltending market moving forward. Talbot aspires to be a starter and his numbers are strong. The only criticism at this stage can really be how shallow his body of work is. That criticism could soon be negated.

The Rangers too, stand to gain. Talbot has a cap friendly deal for next season and by the end of February Talbot either becomes an increasingly attractive trade commodity or he represents a good value for money back-up. Indeed, if he falters at any stage it makes the likelihood of Talbot staying in New York beyond next season, a bigger likelihood and Talbot is already one of the better back-ups in the league. Can the Rangers lose?

Don’t discount the rallying factor either. We’ve seen multiple times in the past where teams rally behind a back-up goaltender and tighten up in the defensive zone. Just last season we saw Dustin Tokarski of the Canadiens really worry the Rangers in the playoffs when Carey Price went down injured. He is now a solid back-up for the Habs and has given them nice depth – and youth – in net.

Finally, if there was ever a time to lose a superstar lynchpin for an extended period of time, it’s right now and in this season’s Eastern Conference. The top eight are almost already decided – barring a truly stunning stretch of form from another team – and the Rangers should at worst (projecting a loss of form coinciding with Talbot starting) be jockeying for position.

If Talbot enters the playoffs in form and with a bunch of starts behind him and Lundqvist returns well rested and fresh for the playoffs – almost regardless of playoff position – doesn’t that represent a perfect, can’t lose scenario for the Rangers?

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