NHL Player Rankings: Metropolitan division x-factors for Stanley Cup run

95. <p>The Rangers hold a two-point over the Montreal Canadiens for the best record in the East and are tied with Anaheim in the race for President’s Trophy. They have won five straight and are 15-2-3 since losing Henrik Lundqvist to vascular surgery after taking a puck to the throat. Cam Talbot has played well in his place, but they need King Henrik if they’re going to win the Stanley Cup this year.</p> <p>Lundqvist was cleared to resume practicing on Tuesday after he intensified his workouts a few days earlier and could return as early as March 24 against the Los Angeles Kings in a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final.</p> <p>If he returns at that date there will be 10 more games after the Mar. 24 game vs the Kings and that should give him enough time to get into game shape and ready for the grueling trek that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They need him at the top of his game even though they do have a safety net in Talbot.</p> <p>However, adding one of the world’s best goalies will make a great team potentially the favorites to win the Cup.</p>. Goalie. New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist. 1. player