MSG Network analyst Joe Micheletti talks about Henrik Lundqvist’s absence, the Rangers’ postseason push and the struggles of Dan Boyle and J.T. Miller.

Q: Can the Rangers survive without Henrik Lundqvist?

A: I would say everyone has confidence in (Cam) Talbot, his numbers support that. The answer is difficult because you are without one of the top-5 goalies in hockey. If it is short-term, it’s a moot point. But if it’s long-term, Talbot would face a pressure he hasn’t experienced yet. There are lots of “ifs” right now.

Q: In what areas do the Rangers have to improve as they head toward the playoffs?

A: They showed what they are capable of in that recent stretch (14-1 in 15 games), and they have to get back to there, playing their best hockey. I remember talking to Kings coach Darryl Sutter recently and he just said: “This Rangers team they are playing well now, and they are going to be a better team because of what they went through in the playoffs. When you go through to the finals, the experience you gain is priceless.”

Q: Is there any concern over the challenges of making back-to-back deep playoff runs?

A: The Rangers have played an awful lot of playoff games the past three to four years, and it does take its toll. If you can get to 100 points as quickly as you possibly can, then have the benefit of resting some players just a few games down the stretch, it’s a huge benefit.

Q: Why do you think Dan Boyle has had such an inconsistent season?

A: It’s been unusual for him. He hasn’t had these type of ailments that have kept him from playing physical in past seasons. And it’s still an ongoing process for him to fit into this style of play. He’s someone that loves to have the puck, and if he doesn’t see something right away, he likes to slow it down — where (Alain) Vigneault likes his players to get the puck and move it quick and play a fast game. The defensemen play a north-south game and that’s been the adjustment for Dan. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet, and he probably feels the same way.

Q: Why has J.T. Miller had a hard time sticking in the lineup?

A: He’s still learning not to make the real glaring errors. That’s the thing that probably gets him in trouble with the coach. It all starts with defensive hockey and doing a good job when you have the puck and making sure the opposition doesn’t get any freebies. Personally, I like him and think he has a high upside.