New York Rangers: Six Blueshirts in IIHF World Championships
By Ed Stein
Russia
New York Rangers back up goaltender Alexandar Georgiev is part of team Russia this year. He had his busiest NHL season for the Blueshirts in 2018-19, appearing in 33 games (30 starts) with a record of 14-13-4, 2.91 goals against average (GAA) and .914 save percentage (SV%).
Georgiev’s previous international experience consists of backstopping the 2016 silver medal-winning Russian team. He was undefeated with a 4-0-1 record. This time around Georgiev will be backing up Tampa Bay Lighting ace Andrei Vaslilevskiy.
Sweden
The Swedes are going for a three-peat at the World Championships, something that hasn’t been done since the Czechs accomplished the feat at the turn of the century. Who better for the Three Crowns to turn to than Henrik Lundqvist to defend their net? He’s a rock star in his home country and a win in this tournament would add to his legacy as Sweden’s best ever goalie.
King Henrik hasn’t played internationally since 2017. That year he helped Sweden start their gold medal run in Germany. Previously Lundqvist won Olympic gold in 2006.
Playing in this tournament might not be the best idea for Hank. He looked tired at times defending the Rangers goal last season. Of course, neither Sweden or the New York Rangers won’t tell him that he can’t play, but at 37-years-old, the extra rest couldn’t hurt.