Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (vascular injury) cleared to practice
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared to return to practice for the first time since being diagnosed with a sprained blood vessel in his neck, the team announced Tuesday.
The Rangers will not practice before Wednesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks and have an off day on Thursday. They will practice Friday before back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday.
Lundqvist was hit in the throat with a shot on Jan. 31 but remained in the game and also played in the team's next game two days later. Lundqvist complained of headaches after that game and was diagnosed with a vascular injury. He told reporters later that he could have had a stroke if he kept playing.
• Rangers continue reign atop SI.com's NHL Power Rankings
When he was originally injured, the team did not estimate when Lundqvist would return. He has missed the last 19 games, during which the Rangers went 14-2-3.
Cam Talbot has started all but two games since Lundqvist's injury. Talbot ranks fourth in the NHL in save percentage and sixth in goals-against average.
The Rangers are currently tied with the Anaheim Ducks for the best record in the NHL.
#http://www.120sports.com/video/v112944924/talbot-saves-the-day
- Dan Gartland