Player Eval. 6: Henrik Lundqvist
Posted On Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at at 11:57 PM by Pucks on Broadway
The King thankfully didn't leave the building this summer as goaltender Henrik Lundqvist signed a one-year deal with the likelihood of an extension to come in January. Henk has positioned himself to be the top franchise goaltender the Rangers have lacked since Mike Richter. Coming into his third season, he has two Vezina Trophy nominations, has been tops in the league for goals against, wins, and save percentage. He has shown steady improvement, particularly last year in the playoffs after a dismal first round exit to the New Jersey Devils in his rookie season. If he can stay healthy and focused, Lundqvist has the potential to be the number one goalie in the league. His stellar international play, including an Olympic gold medal, also shows he can dominate on a big stage, perfect for Manhattan.
The Question: Not many questions surround Lundqvist except perhaps consistency. In his first full season as starter in 06' - 07', Henk struggled for much of the first part of the season, as did the Rangers. However, when he picked it up in the second half, the Rangers made an incredible run and Lundqvist was the hottest goalie in the league. Can he put together a full season of consistency? This year will be very telling.
The Definite: Lundqvist loves being a Ranger and New Yorker so even throughout his struggles, he remained hard-working and honest. The goalie is primed to be one of the best in Rangers history and a real face of the franchise, which has lacked in years.
The Intangibles: As he has become more comfortable, Henk has become a bigger locker room presence and media-guy. While Jaromir Jagr is the captain and newcomers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez will have the spotlight, this is still Lundqvist's team. As he grows into that role, he has the potential to have a real Martin Brodeur effect.
The Stats:
| GP | W | L | OT | GAA | TOI | SV% | SO | TGA | TSA | ENG | PIM |
| 70 | 37 | 22 | 8 | 2.34 | 4109 | .917 | 5 | 160 | 1927 | 2 | 0 |
(photo from The Chronicle Journal)
What we lack in defense, "The King" Lundquist makes up for it. I am pleased you have showcased Henrik as one of the greats -- he has showed me, the fans, heart and a love of the team. He rides the subway every day to the Garden (gotta love that), and he accepted probably 2 mill lower than newer members through free agency arbitration for the better of the team. There aren't many bloggers talking about this - which is important to acknowledge.
Plus I just love his level of play -- the second half of last season was astounding and memorable. If we get 2/3 of that performance throughout the entire season, we will have taken the division and beyond.
Look out Marty...you're gettin' old and Weekes sometimes makes a good backup goalie. Make way for HENRIK!
tdr
Indeed! Good post Dark Ranger!.. Henrik The Great didn't get his nicknames for no reason! I look so forward to him being on this team long term. Probably one of my favorite players on the Team.. and of course you can't help but to love the man who takes care of the other end.. Our captain Jagr! Lundqvist is a Broduer in the making. I think Henrik will have better numbers up and down the charts this year then last, and I believe he will have better numbers then Brodeur.. if not only better then Brodeur, don't be surprised if he has the best numbers in Hockey as far as the goal tending postion is concerned! Everyone hail King Henrik!!!