from Craig Custance of ESPN,

The New York Rangers are now an impressive 8-1-2 since Henrik Lundqvist left the lineup, and their 1-0 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday might have been one of the most encouraging, because they didn't have to rely on a slew of goals to pull it off.

Cam Talbot got the shutout, stopping all 21 shots he faced, and the Rangers managed to keep pace with the New York Islanders, who beat up a bad Arizona Coyotes team. It was a strong road effort for the Flames in their first game of a seven-game road trip, and you can't help but wonder if this road trip will ultimately define whether they make the playoffs.

Calgary would like to add depth on defense and some scoring before the deadline, but if things go sideways this week they would have to consider selling potential UFAs, including Curtis Glencross, who is generating interest. Two more games in the New York area this week might help determine how it all plays out in Calgary.

read on for more hockey topics including the Blackhawks/Kane and the Bruins...