Last season was a difficult one for Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers, but what helped get Henrik through it?
Motivation can be everything for an athlete and for Henrik Lundqvist there is one thing in particular that motivates him, New York.
In a radio interview with TSN 1050 Radio, scripted by SNY.tv, Lundqvist talked about that motivation.
“My goal is to win in New York. That is what pushes and drives me the most and I want to believe that it can happen before I retire.”
The 36-year-old netminder really does believe in New York and wants to bring the organization to their first Stanley Cup in 24 years. That’s all the motivation he needs, and something that New York probably hasn’t seen since Yankees’ star Derek Jeter retired in 2014.
Lundqvist has bought into the Rangers plan and was actually approached by the team to see if he wanted to move on. But, his motivation and dedication to New York is ultimately what led him to remain a Blueshirt for the time being.
But that won’t be easy for Lundqvist and the Rangers in 2018-19. The team will be in their second year of rebuilding, or retooling and Lundqvist is aware of that.
“I think it’s hard to say where we are at and what type of goals we should have and it’s something we have to discuss when the camp starts and see exactly how the team will look.”
Whatever the plan is, it won’t necessarily be the team being legitimate playoff contenders. There is a small chance that they could surprise some people and make a push for the eighth seed, but that is highly unlikely.
Even though “The King” has bought into what general manager Jeff Gorton has told him, he thinks the model the Blueshirts could emulate is one that the Vegas Golden Knights used just a season ago.
“Vegas was a great example of how when you get the pieces right, the right attitude you can turn things around fast, build a team.”
Most leagues are copycat leagues, and the Rangers can only hope to have the same kind of success Vegas has had. But, the problem with copying another franchise is that there is never a guarantee it is going to work.
Hank feels the blueprint is there. He has made it clear that he is not going anywhere. Now it is time to show it on the ice.
