Lundqvist returning to net

Henrik Lundqvist will finally return to the net for the Rangers on Tuesday night at the Garden against the Blue Jackets after the franchise goaltender had been given a three-game respite so that the coaching staff and management could get a good look at rookie Alexandar Georgiev.

Lundqvist most recently played March 10 against the Panthers on the road, a 4-3 shootout loss, in this season that is meandering its way to a close with 10 games remaining. Georgiev played well in his three straight starts, but the competitor in Lundqvist was ready to return.

“That’s why we’re here, right? To go out there and compete,” Lundqvist said after Monday’s practice. “Nobody knows who’s going to be here for next year, but right now, let’s make the most of it here and prove it as a group and see how many wins we end up with in the end.”

Lundqvist has piled up an unsightly 2.92 goals-against average, but his .916 save percentage should make it clear that the team in front of him was the biggest culprit. In the lead-up to the Feb. 26 trade deadline, the team was a mess as management traded a handful of veterans. But the 5-2-2 record since has shown a revival in enthusiasm.

“I think we can all agree that the energy has been better,” Lundqvist said.

As for how many games Lundqvist is going to play the rest of the way, it’s unlikely to be too many more.

“Obviously Hank wants to play,” coach Alain Vigneault said. “But like I said before, we have to get a feel for what Alex can do and that’s what we’re going to do.”

When asked if Georgiev has what it takes to stick around in the NHL, Lundqvist didn’t hesitate to answer in the affirmative about the 22-year-old Bulgarian.

“Absolutely. He has the tools,” Lundqvist said. Veteran backup goalie Ondrej Pavelec took part in practice for the first time since he suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee Feb. 9, but it seems likely that he won’t play again this season.