from Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants,

Coach Alain Vigneault made Henrik Lundqvist’s absence from Thursday night’s game at Philadelphia official today when he announced his star goalie would not dress for the game as he continues to battle an undisclosed injury.

“If this had been a playoff game, he’d probably be playing,” Vigneault said. “It’s something that’s day to day that we think we can nip it in the bud. We might give it one more day or maybe two…It’s something he’s had for maybe 10 days but it wasn’t anything significant. He played real well in Washington (last Wednesday’s 2-0 win). It acted up a little bit in the Jersey game (Saturday’s 4-0 loss to the Devils.”

Without Lundqvist available, rookie Cam Talbot, 26, will make his NHL debut and the Rangers will recall Jason Missiaen from Hartford (AHL) to serve as Talbot’s backup. Vigneault said Lundqvist will travel with the team and no determination has been made for his status for Saturday’s game at Detroit, which will finally conclude this season-opening, nine-game road trip.

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