Bantering Points: 12/15/16

With Henrik Lundqvist making his first start in the last five games tonight, New York will look to welcome the king back to his crease against the high-flying Dallas Stars. Look for Lundqvist to be focused and re-energized after having more than a week to watch from the bench. Here are today's news and links:

Rangers News:

• Larry Brooks reports that Henrik Lundqvist has officially been named the starter for tonight's game at the American Airlines Center (NY Post)
• Justin Tasch believes that Rick Nash should return to the team's lineup during their road trip through the bible belt (NY Daily News)
• John Williams ponders why Dan Girardi continues to be a fixture in New York's lineup on a nightly basis (Blue Line Station)
• Brandon Cohen speculates that despite the Rangers' recent scoring slump, they will still end up among the league's elite in goals for (Blue Line Station)
• Alexandra Russo argues why J.T. Miller should find himself in Los Angeles for the 2017 All-Star Game (Blue Line Station)
• Kevin Baumer vocalizes his thoughts on Jesper Fast, Brady Skjei's ceiling, losing Josh Jooris, and more (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Anthony Scultore wonders whether Rick Nash's offensive game will return once Nash rejoins the lineup (Full Tilt Rangers)
• Matt Calamia offers an update on Ryan Gropp, as the former 2nd Round Pick acquired for Carl Hagelin and draft picks recorded an assist Tuesday night, bumping him up to 22 Points in 25 Games on the season (Official Team Site)
• Post Practice Interviews: Matt Puempel, (1:17) Brandon Pirri, (1:00) Nick Holden, (1:55) and Rick Nash (1:25)/

Around the NHL:

• Mike Halford updates the Jonathan Quick situation, as the Los Angeles Kings' goaltender is likely to be out until mid-February (NBC Sports)
• Greg Wyshynski notes that Dale Tallon is reportedly back in power in Florida, as the Panthers' President of Hockey Operations and former GM is back in charge of day-to-day personnel decisions (Puck Daddy)
• Frank Seravalli reminisces on the twelve biggest stories in hockey of 2016 (TSN)
• Sean McIndoe lists the top five trade destinations for Colorado Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla as he continues his quest to capture a Stanley Cup (The Hockey News)/

Do you know who the goalie in the picture is?