Lundqvist has an unspecified injury, even by NHL standards. The Rangers call it a "minor issue," so we're not even granted the knowledge of whether it is his upper or lower body that aches. Regardless, Lundqvist is day to day.

Thursday marks the Rangers' first home game of the season. They are 2-5.

The Rangers have a big problem with Lundqvist out of action. Cam Talbot, a 26-year-old rookie, is expected to make his first career start against the Flyers. The Blueshirts made room for Talbot last week by waiving Martin Biron, who subsequently retired. Jason Missiaen is expected to be recalled to back up Talbot.

Coach Alain Vigneault decided to act with caution on Lundqvist, which isn't a bad plan given their thin goalie depth chart. He told reporters this week he prefers to let his franchise netminder heal before playing again.

"If this would've been a playoff game, he'd probably would have been playing," Vigneault told reporters. "It's something that's day-to-day that we think we can nip it in the bud. It may take a day or maybe two, but it's something he should be able to turn the page on and won't hear about it anymore."

There's a full house in the trainer's room at Madison Square Garden. Lundqvist is joined by captain Ryan Callahan (broken thumb), Rick Nash (concussion) and Carl Hagelin (rehabbing from shoulder surgery).

Nash's injury is a growing concern for the team, according to NorthJersey.com. Nash was concussed by San Jose Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart on Oct. 8. So far there is no sign of a return or hint of a return date.

Vigneault and staff gave Lundqvist a day off Sunday after a 4-0 loss to the Devils.


TEEMU NEWS FLASH


Homeland hero Teemu Selanne is a superstar in Finland, where a movie version of his life is doing boffo box office business.

Selanne, 43, is wrapping up his NHL career and taking aim at 700 career goals, if not another Stanley Cup, with the Anaheim Ducks.

The biopic's name says it all: The Finnish Flash — the Teemu Selanne Story.

The flick already topped production cost, according to entertainment trade mogul Variety.com. It received strong reviews in Finland and is getting solid word-of-mouth promotion. And it has become the most profitable documentary ever in Finland.

Selanne began his NHL career in the 1992-93 season with 76 goals. He played at the time for the original Winnipeg Jets.


STROKES FROM ORR


The NHL's most famous gadly and curmudgeon has a supporter for inclusion in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Bobby Orr is touting Don Cherry for enshrinement.

"I really, truly believe what he contributes to our game is enormous. He is really deserving to be in the Hall of Fame," Orr said. "It's 'contribution to the game.' Is there anyone bigger than Don Cherry in our game today? It's incredible what this man does."

Just where Cherry should be placed is a question. He had a pedestrian coaching record of 250-153-77 and was 31-24 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. A better fit might be the media gallery since Cherry worked in TV after his coaching gig ended in 1980.

Hockey fans know him as the uproarious man in the loud jackets on Hockey Night in Canada. And he is an attraction, whether you love him or not; there is no like.


SPARK FOR FLAMES


Sean Monahan will remain with the Calgary Flames this season instead of being returned to his junior club.

A junior-eligible player is allowed to play up to nine games in the NHL without costing the team a year of his entry-level contract. Monahan has six goals and three assists in his first nine games.

"We feel good about the decision we've made," general manager Jay Feaster said Wednesday. "We believe his development is best served with us. I think he's a unique individual ... in his determination. He's a 19-year-old going on 29 years old."

Calgary selected Monahan sixth overall in the June draft after he played three seasons with the OHL's Ottawa 67's. The Flames have not indicated whether Monahan would be released to play for Team Canada at the 2014 world junior championship.

Contributer: The Associated Press