Henrik Lundqvist: A Top NHL Goalie
N.Y. Rangers netminder has put his name amongst the best in the game
It Starts with Goaltending
Any hockey fan knows the most important player on the ice is the goaltender. A talented goalie can lift a hockey team with a great save or the confidence that he will have your back for any mistakes that are made in front of him. In the past, we’ve seen great goaltenders literally steal a playoff series during a run for the Cup.
The New York Rangers have such a goaltender and his name is Henrik Lundqvist.
Seventh Round Draft Choice
Lundqvist was a seventh round pick in the 2000 draft (205th overall selection) and wasn’t even considered the Rangers number one goaltending prospect. The Rangers had selected goaltender Dan Blackburn with the 10th overall pick of the 2001 draft and were banking their future on the 18 year old from Montreal. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury ruined Blackburn’s career and he retired in 2005.
Instant Success
Lundqvist made his National Hockey League debut on October 8th, 2005 where he made 24 of 27 stops but lost a 3-2 overtime decision to Martin Brodeur and the Devils in New Jersey. Five days later, he beat the Devils at Madison Square Garden for his first NHL win and he was on his way.
Nine days after his first game, Lundqvist recorded his first shutout when he saved all 23 Florida shots in blanking the Panthers.
The 26 year old Swede eventually earned the number one job and backstopped the Rangers to their first playoff appearance in nine years. Lundqvist would go 0-3 in the first round against the Devils but the seeds for greatness had been planted.
By the end of his first season, Lundqvist set a Ranger record for wins by a rookie goalie with 30 and was named to the NHL All-Rookie team.
Scouting Report
Lundqvist is a goaltender who thrives under pressure. His stick handling abilities leave alot to be desired and he can be beaten "top shelf" because he’s a little undersized.
Lundqvist overcomes those flaws by making tough saves look almost routine, and he’s strong on breakaways.
"The King" of the Shootout
Lundqvist has been especially good in the "shootout" which came into the league beginning with the "post-lockout" season of 2005-2006.
During his career, Lundqvist is 21-15 in shootouts, including 3-1 this season. The four year veteran has the distinction of winning the longest shootout game in NHL history. On November 26th, 2005, Lundqvist stopped 12 of 15 skaters to beat Olaf Kolzig and the Washington Capitals.
Gold Medal Winner
Lundqvist has yet to win a Stanley Cup but he’s already taken home some pretty impressive hardware.
On February 26th, 2006, Lundqvist led Sweden to the Gold Medal as they beat Finland 3-2 in the final game.
The medal wasn’t in hand until Lundqvist made a spectacular save to rob Finland’s Olli Jokanen who was standing right in front with less than thirty seconds remaining. The former Florida Panther was turned away by Lundqvist’s stick and Sweden had their gold.
Garden Favorite
Lundqvist has already been adopted by the Madison Square Garden faithful as one of their own. Cries of "Hen-reek", "Hen-reek" reveberate throughout the Garden after Lundqvist makes one of his highlight reel saves.
In only his fifth NHL season, Lundqvist has put himself among the league’s best and the latest in a line of stellar goaltenders with names like Mike Richter, Ed Giacomin, Terry Sawchuk and Gump Worsley that have proudly worn the "Ranger Sweater".
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