The Man Behind the Rangers Mask: Henrik Lundqvist

 

Patrick Hoffman (HV)

 

Ever since the National Hockey League All-Star break, the New York Rangers (34-27-8) have been an up and down hockey club that has looked unbeatable at times and on other occasions, has looked out of place. However, there has been one constant for the Rangers and that has been goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

 

Today, Henrik Lundqvist was named the First-Star of the NHL for the week of March 5-11, as he posted a 3-0-1 record in four games with a 1.43 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage as he helped put the Rangers back into the eight spot in the Eastern Conference.

 

“He has been tremendous for us,” Rangers head coach Tom Renney said after Sunday’s 2-1 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

 

Since the All-Star break, Lundqvist has given the Rangers a chance to win every single night by giving his team the goaltending that they need in order to win hockey games. In his last 30 games, Lundqvist has recorded a 1.91 goals-against and a .927 save percentage, both tops in the league since the all-star break.

 

“Every game is a big game,” Lundqvist said after Sunday’s important win for the Rangers. “I can feel the pressure but at the same time, I feel very focused.”

 

Overall, Lundqvist’s numbers have been quite good as he ranks 12th in the league in wins with 29, 12th in the league in goals against average (2.46) and 12th in save percentage (.912).

 

Henrik has also been the king of shootouts this season, as he has stopped 37 of 44 shots in the skills competition.

 

“You have to play each guy as it happens and you have to be patient,” Lundqvist said about being the last line of defense in the shootout.

 

With 13 games left in the season, many against playoff caliber teams such as the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders, Henrik knows that he has to be at his best if he wants to help his team clinch a playoff spot in the very tight Eastern Conference.

 

“It’s fun to be out there playing right now because it feels like we are already in the playoffs,” Lundqvist said. “Every game means so much for our team.”

 

With every game being critical from now until the end of the season, look for Lundqvist to continue his strong play as he tries to get his team into the elite 16 of the league.

 

 

Photo: Henrik Lundqvist from NY Rangers © Andris Jansons (HV)