When the New York Rangers placed Henrik Lundqvist on injured reserve, it was unclear what exactly the team would be capable of during its star goalie's absence. Cam Talbot, who's competing in his second NHL campaign, has been tremendous in Lundqvist's place
NHL scores 2015: Cam Talbot leads Rangers to victory over Capitals
New York’s unlikely hero led the Blueshirts to yet another big win.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The 27-year-old netminder has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his last nine appearances and has lost in regulation once in his last 15. Talbot continued to thrive on Wednesday, when he surrendered just one goal to the Washington Capitals -- a power play strike via Alex Ovechkin -- and won, 3-1.
His success has not only kept the Rangers in the playoff picture -- it's elevated them toward the top of the East. As of Thursday morning, New York tied for the most points in the conference with the Montreal Canadiens. The Blueshirts hold an edge with a game in hand.
Scores
Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Buffalo Sabres 3 (SO)
New York Rangers 3, Washington Capitals 1
Calgary Flames 6, Anaheim Ducks 3
3 things we learned
1. Martin St. Louis got off the schneid
Father Time is starting to catch up with Martin St. Louis. The 39-year-old right wing went seven games without a point from Feb. 24 to March 10, and is clearly a shell of his former self. However, he does have some gas left in the tank.
St. Louis snapped his pointless streak against Washington when he converted on a 2-on-0 attempt. Chris Kreider did a great job using his speed to set up the goal.
2. Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau are blossoming into stars
With top defenseman Mark Giordano lost for the season, the Calgary Flames' playoff hopes have decreased significantly in recent weeks. Odds are that the team will have a long summer, and yes, it has enjoyed some unsustainably high percentages. But it's hard not to feel good about Calgary's young talent -- namely Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau.
Gaudreau scored twice against Anaheim, and Monahan chipped in one of his own en route to a 6-3 victory. Gaudreau is the first Flames rookie to reach 50 points since Jarome Iginla did so in 1996-97.
3. Don’t give Alex Ovechkin space on the power play
Impact moment
Ryan Getzlaf passed Paul Kariya for second in Ducks all-time leading scoring with his second goal on as many shots. It took him just 2:51 to light the lamp twice, making him the fastest player in franchise history to accomplish this feat.
Stat of the night
#NYR STATS: NYR have allowed 1 goal or fewer in regulation in 4 straight team games, all on the road, for the 1st time in franchise history!
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 12, 2015 See More:
