Game On!

Given his druthers and his competitive nature, Henrik Lundqvist likely would want to play all 82 games of the Rangers season.

In a theoretical world, why shouldn't he?

In a real world, Glenn Hall of the Chicago Blackhawks once had a streak of 503 consecutive games -- and he did it without wearing a protective mask.

But that was then and this is now with John Tortorella coaching the Blueshirts and not Rudy Pilous coaching the 1960s Blackhawks when Hall didn't even have a back-up goalie.

If there's one item that remains stuck in my mind after conversing with Torts this offseason, it was his insistence that Lundqvist play fewer games than he did last year. The coach based his proposal on the Rangers sudden collapse in the first playoff round against Washington after having built a three-games-to-one lead. He remained convinced that Henny had become worn down.

The moment I heard John's assertion, it reminded me of the many, many times I suggested to Devils coaches -- starting with Pat Burns -- that Martin Brodeur's games be trimmed. Like Lundqvist, Brodeur's idea of a healthy schedule is to play virtually every contest ... minus just a few.

Through New Jersey's 2003 Stanley Cup championship, a good case could be made for Brodeur's viewpoint. But since the work stoppage of 2004-05, Brodeur's accomplishments have been less impressive. And last year -- after he went down with injury -- the Devils learned that they could survive and even thrive with replacement Scott Clemmensen between the pipes.

So, what should Tortorella do about Lundqvist? My conviction is that Henny should play no more than 60 games ... 65 at most.

It's based on two factors:

1) FATIGUE

The coach is right. Lundqvist did appear tired as the Washington series extended to a seventh game. A respite would have been beneficial.

2) COMPETENT REPLACEMENT

I've been a Steve Valiquette fan ever since his Islanders days. He always has been underplayed and underrated.  Without a doubt, he's one of the best back-ups in the NHL.

There is, however, a problem and this was evident over the past decade in New Jersey. Like the Devils, the Rangers prime objective is to make the playoffs. And each year, it seems, the race looms so competitive that coaches feel obliged to get a good start; which means playing the top banana in goal.

After a loss, the coach feels that he must come back with his main man to get the club back on track. After a win, he believes that he dare not break up a winning combo so he stays with number one.

When it comes down to the stretch, there's always the feeling that playing the back-up is too much of a gamble. Nevertheless, I'm convinced that Tortorella will stick with his plan.

My prediction: No more than 65 games for Lundqvist; the rest for Valiquette.

In the end, it will be the best for everyone -- especially the hockey club!

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