The New York Rangers face of the franchise, Henrik Lundqvist, is already playing from behind according to the NHL Network.
Labor Day is still 11 days away. The first day of training camp is around three and a half weeks out, yet for New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist the criticisms have already begun in what’s anticipated to be a tough season ahead.
The NHL Network has begun discussing the top 10 goalies in the NHL. The one hour program, part of a nine episodes series of who the best players are, is set to air on Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET.
Brian Boucher, a goalie who played 13 NHL seasons and is an analyst for NHL Network, discussed he opinions on why the King did not make the top 10.
Henrik is entering his 14th season in the National Hockey League, all as a member of the New York Rangers. Last season he went 26-26-7, which was the first time he did not reach the 30 win mark aside from the lockout season in 2012-13.
His 431 wins and 63 shutouts rank second to Florida Panthers Roberto Luongo among active goaltenders.
Brian Boucher, speaking to NHL.com, had much to say about Henrik.
“Well decorated career,” Boucher said. “I think last year, although he was a workhorse, there seemed to be some fatigue in his game, and obviously when you don’t have the type of squad in front of you that some of these other teams do, it can show. One would have to think his best days are behind him, but I think his focus is second to none and he competes.”
There may have been some fatigued, but should the Rangers become a better team defensively and play as a five-man unit in the ice, Henrik has an excellent chance of reaching the 30 win mark.
Yet on this rebuilding team, the true results of success or failure for the King and his teammates will be viewed in the possibility of getting back to the playoffs more than his personal stats.
Henrik may just be on the outside looking in on the top 10 group. This could be just what he and the Rangers need to see, no expectations this season.
Just play the games and see where you are at the end of the season. Maybe the King can get hot at the right time.
That’s why they play the game.
