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New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadians: 5 Players To Watch

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) and New York Rangers center Chris Kreider (21) battle for position during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Monteal won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) and New York Rangers center Chris Kreider (21) battle for position during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Monteal won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadians: 5 Players To Watch
Apr 8, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Henrik Lundqvist

If the Rangers are going to upset the Canadiens in the first round they will need a strong performance from Henrik Lundqvist. Goaltending is as important as anything in the NHL postseason, as a hot goalie can carry a team deep into the playoffs.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, Lundqvist is not coming into the playoffs on a hot streak. He is actually shaking off the rust after missing a few weeks with a strained hip muscle. Lundqvist played in six games to finish out the regular season but didn’t play that well.

The Rangers went 1-3-2 in those six games. Lundqvist allowed 21 goals on 184 shots, equaling out to an underwhelming .886 save percentage. Not all of that can be blamed on Lundqvist, but he certainly isn’t playing his best hockey as he comes into the postseason.

Despite the struggles, Lundqvist said that he feels good heading into the playoffs. That is good to hear, as the Rangers will need Lundqvist playing at his top level to knock off the Canadiens. Lundqvist has had an up-and-down season, but with the bright lights of the postseason about to turn on maybe Lundqvist can turn things up as well.

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