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New York Rangers: Goalie Henrik Lundqvist Expected Back Soon

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 7, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save on a shot by Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save on a shot by Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Rangers have been without goalie Henrik Lundqvist since March 7th, but he is nearing his return to the ice.

It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. In addition to battling some injuries throughout the year, he hasn’t been his normal self in the net this season.

So far this season, Lundqvist has totaled a 30-17-2 record, 2.65 goals against average, and .913 save percentage. Even though those aren’t terrible numbers, the goals allowed per game is the highest in Lundqvist’s career.

Recently, Lundqvist was injured against the Florida Panthers in a 5-2 Rangers win. With a nagging hip injury, Lundqvist has been out since then. With Lundqvist out, the Rangers have a losing record, but it appears that he will be back soon.

"“I felt pretty good,” Lundqvist said to Dan Martin of the New York Post. “I think the toughest part for me is just being patient and to not try to do too much. The couple days I’ve felt really good on the ice. Now it’s about getting my speed back, the timing back. I can feel I’ve been away from the game a little bit.”"

The plan appears to be to have Lundqvist back in net for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Even if that isn’t the game that he returns, Lundqvist should be back some time on the mini West Coast trip.

"“I talked to him briefly before practice and he said he was feeling much better,” the coach said to Martin. “We’ll skate again [Tuesday] and go from there.” “I think the logical thing to say is we’re on the same protocol that we were before,” Vigneault said. “I would expect him at some point when we go on this trip.”"

Without Lundqvist, the Rangers have a 2-2-1 record. Antti Raanta has certainly played well this season, but the Rangers certainly want their starting goalie back to prepare for the playoff run.

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One of the positives about the injury for Lundqvist was that it did give him some rest. Getting a few weeks off at this point in the season will surely help Lundqvist stay fresh toward the end of a grueling season.

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