New York Rangers at Atlanta Thrashers: Open Game Thread

Philips Arena

TV: MSG

Radio: 1050 AM

Between the Pipes:

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Stephen Valiquette	14	758	5	5	1	2	35	2.77	391	356	.910	1

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Kari Lehtonen	44	2545	18	22	3	4	131	3.09	1453	1322	.910	3

A few quick notes on the game:

Henrik Lundqvist gets a break tonight against the Thrashers. Steve Valiquette will start for the second time here at Philips Arena this season. He was the 3-2 winner on Scott Gomez' overtime goal on Dec. 10.
Coach John Tortorella cited the stretch of three games in four days and four in six, including Saturday's afternoon game in Pittsburgh, for the decision. Valiquette (5-5-1, 2.77 GAA) made his last start subbing for the ill Lundqvist in Carolina on March 9, a 3-0 loss, but played well. Lundqvist has started 20 of the last 21.
"We need to get him one or two here to keep Hank where he needs to be in some pretty important games," said Tortorella. "This one is an important one, too, but our schedule is pretty tight here as we go through the rest of the year."/