A.V. Continues To Ride Talbot, But This Isn't A Goalie Controversy December 27, 2013 1:25 PM

Cam Talbot (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Rangers Inside And Out By Sean HartnettMore Columns

Following the Rangers morning skate in Washington, head coach Alain Vigneault confirmed that red-hot goaltender Cam Talbot will start for a third straight game on Friday night.

This means that highly-paid netminder Henrik Lundqvist will continue to wait his turn. Lundqvist hasnt played since December 20, when he gave up four goals to the Islanders on 19 shots.

Talbot will be looking to earn a third consecutive win when the Blueshirts battle the Washington Capitals tonight at the Verizon Center.

The 26-year-old rookie has posted sterling statistics through his first 10 NHL starts and 12 games played. Talbot has been a very difficult goalie to crack since his October 20 recall from Hartford of the AHL. His superb play has earned him the nickname Goalbuster.

Talbot heads into Fridays meeting with the Caps carrying an 8-2-0 record with a microscopic 1.60 goals-against average. His GAA ranks only second to Josh Harding of the Minnesota Wild. Talbots save percentage of .938 is only bettered by Los Angeles Kingsnetminder Ben Scrivens and Harding.

Some writers and debate panelists have already described the situation as a goalie controversy. Lets make it clear though theres no such thing as a goalie controversy when Lundqvist recently received a seven-year, $59.5 million extension. The weight of this franchise will continue to be placed on the shoulders of Lundqvist.

KING HENRIK HASNT BEEN UNCROWNED BY ROOKIE TALBOT

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Hartnett: Red-Hot Talbot To Make Third Straight Start For Rangers