New York Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist showing why he is still the team’s driving force
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is showing the world that he is still at the top of his game.
One of the unfortunately consequences of being great is that any time there is a dent in your armor, everybody assumes you aren’t great anymore. This is exactly the life of New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. He has put in so many great seasons and games over the years that any time he falters, it’s the end of the road for “King Henrik”. It’s time to panic that he doesn’t have it anymore.
It happened right at the top of the current season. Lundqvist allowed five goals on two separate occasions prior to the end of October. He gave up four or more goals six times before the end of November. It was time to prepare for life after Lundqvist. His window was closed and it was time to look at the next chapter.
Well it turns out that nothing could be further from the truth. The King is still here and that’s a good thing because the Rangers need him.
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On Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils, it was because of Lundqvist that the Rangers earned a point, sending the game to overtime and a subsequent shootout. The unforced errors left the Rangers net minder under the gun. Thankfully he was up to the task.
He stood on his head in this one, stopping 22 shots in the second period alone, one short of a career high. On the night, Lundqvist stopped 45 out of 48 shots leading the team to earning a point. Kevin Shattenkirk was playing so poorly that he was sat down by coach Vignault for the final 7:28 of the third period.
It wasn’t just the Devils game. Over the last five games Lundqvist has been spectacular leading up to the Devils game. The King had stopped 177 out of 188 shots for a save percentage of .941. The Rangers have needed Lundqvist more than ever, giving up 37.1 shots per game over the last ten (via the Daily News). That is not sustainable and it had better improve. They must protect the King.
Next: Lundqvist moves up the all-time rankings
This is an important time for the Blueshirts. We talk about “Same old Jets” all the time, this is an example of “Same old Rangers”. Throughout Lundqvist’s career he has had to carry the team. They need to stop giving up so many shots and take care of their goalie a little bit. If they don’t it may be the end for this coach and this run.