NHL

Rangers likely without sick Del Zotto vs. Capitals

Michael Del Zotto, who missed Tuesday’s practice because of the flu, is unlikely to be in the Rangers’ lineup against the Capitals in Washington on Wednesday night.

“Michael is not flying with us,” coach Alain Vigneault said before the club departed. “He might join us [Wednesday], but unless energy-wise, he’s feeling a lot better, he’s not going to play.”

Del Zotto, who has for the most part been paired with Marc Staal, is third on the club in ice time at 20:41 per match, trailing Dan Girardi (21:42) and Staal (20:45). Del Zotto also had been at the point of the first power play unit, replacing Staal after three games.

Justin Falk, who got 5:16 as the seventh defenseman on Saturday night in St. Louis in his Rangers’ debut, would replace Del Zotto. He skated at practice with John Moore while Staal and Anton Stralman formed the second pair behind Girardi and Ryan McDonagh.


Martin Biron and Arron Asham cleared waivers and were assigned to the AHL Wolf Pack, though the Blueshirts are giving Biron time to ponder his future and decide whether he will report to Hartford.

Cam Talbot, the 26-year-old goaltender recalled to take Biron’s spot as backup, was predictably enthused about the promotion.

“I’m pretty excited as you can imagine; it’s my first call-up,” said Talbot, who had a series of impressive training camps and played extremely well for the Wolf Pack last year and the first couple of weeks this season. “I’m going to try and make the best of it.”

The Rangers play only three games in 10 days beginning with Wednesday night’s match, so Talbot isn’t likely to get his first NHL start in that time frame. Indeed, Talbot might even make a temporary return to the Wolf Pack to get in a game Friday. He is temporarily exempt from waivers after having cleared upon his training-camp assignment to Hartford.

Regardless, Henrik Lundqvist said he doesn’t anticipate the change in backups will have an impact on his projected schedule of 62-to-66 starts this season.

“That’s something I’m not thinking about,” said Lundqvist, who will enter the Capitals’ game with a 4.21 goals against average and .887 save percentage. “[Talbot] wouldn’t be here if he was not ready.

“I don’t expect my workload to change. This will probably push me to work harder. I’m sad to see Marty go, but at the same time I will get to know Talbot and work with him.

“My only concern now is the Washington game. That’s all I care about.”