On Monday, when the New York Rangers reach the midway point of their season, they could be in sixth place in the Eastern Conference Standings, and third in the Atlantic Division. This comes after starting the season 10-2-1, and leading their division from the start of the season.

Assuming that Henrik Lundqvist makes the start tomorrow, which would be his 34th of the season, he would be on pace to start 68 games this year. While Lundqvist has been accustomed to playing a high number of games every year, there is no reason that the Rangers should be running him into the ground now. Especially when he is needed the most in the playoffs.

Therefore, in considering the number of games Lundqvist would be playing, combined with the fact that his play has dropped considerably as of late, it is time for Steve Valiquette to be playing more often.

If anybody was concerned with how Valiquette would handle playing against a tougher team, last night's game against Washington should ease their worries. Despite losing 2-1 to the Capitals, Valiquette made 29 saves, and made some huge saves when called upon.

More importantly, Valiquette's numbers in the games he has played this year are deserving of more playing time. In the nine games that Valiquette has played (seven started), he is 4-3 with a 2.36 GAA and a .922 SV%.

Those numbers are usually in Lundqvist's ballpark at the end of the year, but the recent struggles that Lundqvist has had gives him a 2.67 GAA and a .908 SV%.

If Valiquette plays more and is successful, it is only beneficial to Lundqvist and the Rangers. If Lundqvist sees Valiquette getting more playing time, it will only push his competitiveness and force him to play better in order to see more playing time.

And if you have two goalies pushing each other for playing time by playing well, it can only spell success and wins for the Blueshirts.   

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