NHL

Mysterious injury to Rangers’ Talbot came in pregame warmups

LOS ANGELES — It was Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with a … well, that part of the mystery has not been solved, but The Post has learned Rangers backup goaltender Cam Talbot was sidelined for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals with an as yet unidentified injury he sustained during the warm-up prior to Game 6 against the Canadiens at the Garden on May 29.

Coach Alain Vigneault has been somewhat clipped in refusing to address the circumstances surrounding the injury, thereby stoking speculation the first-year NHL goaltender was involved in a mishap away from the rink.

But that was not the case.

Talbot, who replaced Henrik Lundqvist in Game 5 in Montreal at 8:58 of the second period with the Blueshirts trailing 4-1, was tagged with the loss in allowing two goals on nine shots after the Rangers had rallied to tie 4-4 before the end of the second period. The Canadiens added an empty-netter for a 7-4 victory that postponed their elimination for two days.

Vigneault has consistently said Talbot is “day-to-day,” which was reiterated again on Friday when he didn’t practice again. He has not been on the ice with the team since he backed up the Game 6 clincher against the Canadiens, and therefore his status is unknown for Game 2 against the Kings on Saturday, in which the Blueshirts will attempt to even the finals.

David LeNeveu, the 31-year-old professional journeyman from Cornell who has 22 games of prior NHL experience, is filling Talbot’s role as the backup and second practice goaltender.

“I prepare to do whatever’s called upon me to do, whether it’s sit in the stands, cheer from the stands, back up,” LeNeveu said. “And if I have to go in, I’ll be ready to go.”

It turns out the Rangers’ day in the California sun on Thursday was prescribed.


“The doctors told us to go outside, hydrate and relax,” forward Brian Boyle told The Post.

Added forward Derek Dorsett, “There are so many nerves, so much excitement. Especially after a loss, it’s good to clear your mind.”


J.T. Miller practiced with the team on Friday, and Vigneault said the 21-year-old forward could play if he were called upon after sustaining a supposed right-shoulder injury in Game 4 of the conference finals.