Monday, January 25, 2010

Lundqvist Faces Off With Twin (N.Y Post article, 2006)


DALLAS - There had been 49,575 games between the time the NHL opened for business on Dec. 19, 1917 and the conclusion of Wednesday night's contests.
And while two sets of twin brothers - Rich and Ron Sutter; Petr and Patrik Sundstrom - had played against each other 35 times, not once had twins faced other where one brother was a skater and the other was a goaltender.
Not until last night, that is.
Because when the Stars promoted center Joel Lundqvist from their AHL Iowa team late Wednesday, that set up a showdown here last night against Rangers' netminder Henrik Lundqvist, his identical twin.

"Joel sent me a text on my phone Wednesday saying that Dallas had this new great scorer and I'd be better be ready," Henrik said following yesterday's morning skate. "It was funny; I knew what he meant."
The Lundqvist Twins - Henrik is the older by 40 minutes - had been teammates throughout their Swedish careers until Henrik made the leap last season to the NHL. Joel followed this year. He'd played four games with the Stars when previously recalled from Iowa, where he had 22 points (8-14) in 25 games.
"We lived together for 20 years. I know how he feels a lot of the time, but it's not as if when he gets hurt, I can feel pain," Joel said. "We of course were very much alike when we were growing up, and it was almost like we were one person growing up as kids, but were developed our own personalities when we were 16 or 17 years old."
The twins' parents, Petr and Eva, were not here last night. In fact, they were in New York, having just arrived from Sweden for the holiday. Henrik said the plan is for them to spend one week with him and then one week with Joel.
"Yes, they have a trip booked to Iowa after New York," Joel said, laughing.
Henrik was back in nets after sitting the last two in favor of Kevin Weekes. That seemed to have energized him as much as the opportunity to be part of NHL history.
"I've been on the bench for two games, so it's exciting for me to be back," Henrik said. "Facing my twin feels a little bit strange, I can tell you that."
Joel said that his twin's success in the NHL hasn't taken him by surprise. "I'm not surprised at how good, but it's been amazing how big he is," said Joel.
"That's been a surprise." Neither twin was prepared to say whether either would be surprised if Lundqvist came in against Lundqvist on a penalty shot or a shootout, where Henrik was a perfect 22-for-22.
"I don't tell everyone his weaknesses, but I know," Joel said good-naturedly. "If I get a breakaway, I know what to do." Said Henrik: "We practiced against each other all the time, so I know where he's going even if it doesn't help me all the time."


Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/lundqvist_faces_off_with_twin_u18zTugnRp4D5onSVERv7J#ixzz0db673Adt

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Small World, Big City- Rookies Making Apple Their Own (N.Y Post article, 2006)


THEY'RE living the dream, three rookie Rangers and three rookie Knicks, each taking a bite out of the Big Apple.
To have a six-pack of Rooks in the City - the Knicks' Channing Frye, David Lee and Nate Robinson and the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist, Petr Prucha and Fedor Tyutin - breaking in at the same time is rare as they venture out from the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, to see the world's greatest city.
Though the Knicks' season has been a nightmare, they All Love NY. From flying to the Top of the Rock in a light-show space shuttle elevator ("This is like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Lee says in wonder) to visiting ethnic restaurants in the outer boroughs, the rookies are learning what makes the city so unique.

"Playing in New York is a dream come true," says Lundqvist, the goalie from Are, Sweden, who spends a lot of his downtime in SoHo. "I love it. I think we all feel that way. The first couple weeks was tough because you didn't know if you would make the team or where you're going to live, but now, you get to know the city."
"It's just like you see in the movies," offers Tyutin, who hails from Izhevsk, Russia. "A lot of big buildings, yellow cabs and people."
The teams' training facilities are located in Tarrytown. Lundqvist, 23, Tyutin, 22, Lee, 22, and Robinson, 21, live in White Plains while Frye, 22, resides in Greenwich. Only Prucha, 23, lives in the city.
"I was preparing for everything, and everything is here," explains Prucha, the winger from Chrudim, Czech Rep., who eight days ago suffered a sprained right knee that will sideline him for up to a month. Prucha admits his understanding of English is limited, which isn't all bad.
Teammates say the ladies love the forward with the fast wrists and fast smile, so I ask him what it's like to be single and living and playing in New York. Prucha beams and shouts, "Great!"
Prucha may be the perfect date. "A good listener," he says, and then explains through a translator, "I don't understand what they're saying. I just smile and shake my head and say 'yes.' They love that."
None of the players is married. Lundqvist and Tyutin each have a steady girlfriend. Part of the allure of the city is meeting different people. The three Rangers are really no different than three young successful businessmen, experiencing the city through anonymity.
"That's good because in our home countries, we were all recognized wherever we went," Lundqvist says. "It always felt like someone was watching you."
FOR the struggling Knicks, life is never anonymous. "I think the city would be more fun if we were doing a little better," Frye admits.
In the wacky world of the Knicks, Lee and Robinson, who were untouchable only a few weeks ago, could find themselves traded soon. Giving up on young talent would be another mistake by this ballclub. Anyone traded away would miss New York.
Frye and Lee have become good friends, and often go to dinner with Frye's business manager, Joe Williams. Tao and Peter Luger Steakhouse are favorite stops. "Just give me the big, old steak," Frye says. BLT Steak and Nobu are also on the menu. Robinson favors Mr. Chow's and loves it when veterans pick up the tab.

"We just sit around and talk about guy stuff," Frye explains of a night out after a game. "Make sure to say we're single and looking," he adds.
When you're 6-11 and 6-9, there's nowhere to hide. "When I'm with them, people look right past me," says the 5-9 Robinson.
Explains Lee, "When the season first started and I'd be out with Channing, fans would be all over him and nobody would be talking to me, but it's changed a little bit now."
The schedule is hectic and Larry Brown, knowing how far the Knicks have to go, fits as much practice time into the season as possible. When you are a rookie, optional practice means you'd better be the first one there.
When they do have a rare day off to roll, it's an interesting experience. Frye moved to Phoenix when he was seven and starred at Arizona. Lee is from St. Louis and is a University of Florida graduate. They are learning about New York women.
"They're aggressive; they got a little bit of an attitude," Frye says, before hustling back to play defense, and adding, "but that's good."
Notes Lee, "The girls up here, it seems everyone's got a story. It's not just, 'I'm going to school.' It's, 'Well, I'm a model and an actress and a waitress.'"
Frye laughs and says, "A model, an actress, a waitress and a car mechanic." He's on a roll now and Lee is nodding his head with every word.
"They also make their living," Frye says, "selling books on the side, babysitting and they have a penguin-breeding farm in Alaska."
TEAMMATES joke that Frye is Brown's adopted son. They also note he has the worst sense of direction on the team, other than when going to the basket.
"We're heading to White Plains one day," Lee says, incredulous, "and Channing asks me, 'Are we going north to the city?'"
The Rangers' Lundqvist can relate to Frye. "Driving around here is tough," he says. "The first couple weeks, I was lost all the time."
Robinson, who became a Seattle leaping legend during his career at the University of Washington, spends much of his time off with his 16-month-old son, Nahmier. "He's one," Robinson says proudly. "Yeah, one going on 12," Lee adds, noting the child has the same energy as his animated father. "He's all over the place."
The rooks are amazed by the energy of Times Square. "There's no other place like it in the country," Lee says. "Maybe Las Vegas."
"Even Vegas around two o'clock in the morning isn't as busy as here," Frye says. "It's always busy in Times Square, not that we've been out at two in the morning. That's what we hear."

"I just can't believe the amount of people that are there," says Lee, who owns a degree in business and is looking forward to checking out Wall Street.
They love the nooks and crannies of the city, too. Frye's uncle lives in Brooklyn and told him about one corner deli that Frye recently visited. "I walk in and I think it's going to be just a deli, nasty, but I go down three flights of stairs and it's unbelievable. We're really into good food and you'll see a Brazilian restaurant and then you'll see a French restaurant, then you'll see another restaurant you never heard of and you say, 'Wow,' it's almost overwhelming.'"
Part of being young and a professional athlete in New York is getting to know other athletes. Frye and Lee have become friends with the Nets' Richard Jefferson. "He knows where to go," Lee explains.
Frye is a video-game freak and was at Jefferson's Tribeca loft one day when Jefferson introduced him to the No. 1 Halo player in the world. "He was ridiculous," Frye says. "We'd play and I'd be dead like four times in no time."
Lee is friends with Giants quarterback Eli Manning and Mets third baseman David Wright while Frye has gotten to know Giants star defensive end Michael Strahan.
Says Lee of Manning: "The day we won that Phoenix game in triple overtime, he was nice enough to call me that night and said, 'Congratulations on playing well and tell Channing the same thing.' Which says a lot about him. That just shows about New York sports and how the teams support one another."
Lee and Frye are becoming Rangers fans while Robinson admits: "The only thing I know about hockey is the Mighty Ducks." The rookie Rangers enjoy going to Knick games and Prucha says he can't wait to see Yankee Stadium.
NEW York is the land of take out, even take-out tattoos. Puppet the tattoo artist makes house calls and for $300, Robinson, who can soar, recently got a set of wings on his back. "It looks great," says Robinson, who will show off those wings at the dunk contest during NBA All-Star weekend next week.
Music is a big part of the city. "There are so many different kinds of clubs," Lundqvist says, as Prucha nods in agreement. "It depends of the company you have that night, if you have friends here."
Being Garden employees gets them a great seat at a concert, too. "I really like U2," Lee says, "and I got the chance to see them and it was awesome."
For Lundqvist, a quiet SoHo cafe with a slice of chocolate cake is the place to be. "The atmosphere there reminds me of Sweden," he says. "It's relaxed."
Lundqvist experiences the city on different levels. That comes naturally; his father works in tourism in Sweden. The son recently played the part of tour guide for his parents.
"They were here like 20 years ago, so they were excited to come back," Lundqvist says. "I took my parents to Broadway to see 'Mama Mia.' I went to see 'Rent' a couple weeks ago."
One of the advantages of being in New York is the incredible choice of restaurants. Prucha prefers goulash and dumplings from Czechoslovakian restaurants while Tyutin dines at different Russian restaurants, including Russian Samovar. "It's like being home," he says.
Frye is the biggest eater of the rookies. "I eat a lot more often than the other guys do," he admits.
Notes Robinson, "I eat like a bird; I eat snacks."
"Nate, he's always got like five candy bars on him," Lee reveals with a laugh. "Any time you need a snack, just go see Nate. During games he has Snickers bars in his socks."
The rookies do shop, but bling-bling is not their style. "All three of us are pretty conservative with money," Lee says.
"I'm probably the cheapest," Robinson offers, and then pointing to Lee, adds, "This guy right here is a genius."
That is said in reference to Lee's poker playing ability. On trips, he's lightened some teammates' wallets. As Lee rattles off the names of Knick veterans he's posted up, he says, "You can't feel bad for them because all them have about $50 million."
Unlike the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, though, Lee does not frequent any late-night poker parlors. But he says he would gladly sit down with A-Rod, who owns a $252-million contract, in a friendly game. "That's another guy I wouldn't mind taking money from," he says confidently.
Robinson, who knows bold, smiles and says, "I got my money on David Lee."
Hey, it's a big city out there, these rookies have to stick together.


Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/item_2hsjcYToKRXPxQt1haDGLP/0#ixzz0db1SGKnn

Friday, January 22, 2010

THE MODEL BEHIND THE MASK. Lundqvist's style turns heads - on & off ice (N.Y Daily News article, 2006)



Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Alexander Steen was enjoying his first trip to New York last month, browsing the couture monument that is Saks. He was hardly surprised when he bumped into an old teammate at the famous Fifth Avenue store, Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

"He likes shopping and finding new stuff," says Steen, who became friends with Lundqvist when they were teammates for four years in their native Sweden. "He's always wearing the latest stuff."

At 6-1 and sporting a physique that's neither overly slender or too muscle-bound, Lundqvist's passion for fashion suits him well. When he takes off his goalie mask, he reveals a flowing, straight mop of dark brown hair that drops over his forehead and into eyes a shade lighter than the blue of his nation's flag. Capped off with a bit of planned-looking stubble, Lundqvist can wear a tuxedo for a charity event or jeans and a casual shirt after practice and make it seem like he just stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine.

Actually, he has. Lundqvist has already been featured in fashion spreads in FHM and Gotham magazines, posing with a few teammates. Next shoot, he'll be able to show off the ultimate accessory - the Olympic gold medal he picked up a week ago in Turin.

"He likes to look good, likes to have his Euro fashion," says fellow Rangers rookie Dominic Moore, who was part of the Gotham spread. "He loves being in New York City. It's an amazing place where there's always something to do. He's all about making the most out of the experience."

So far, Lundqvist has been able to have his New York experience in relative peace and quiet - he's rarely recognized in Manhattan. Back home, though, such anonymity is a thing of the past - especially after winning Olympic gold.

"He's very big in Sweden," says Bertil Karlefors, a correspondent for Stockholm's TV4. "Here, you get baseball, basketball, nothing, nothing, nothing and then hockey.

"If you go out with (Daniel) Alfredsson in Ottawa or Sundin in Toronto, you'll get the best table and everyone coming up for autographs. Not here."

That's fine with Lundqvist, who lives in White Plains to be close to the Rangers' practice rink in Greenburgh, but spends a lot of his free time in the city.

"I like it down in SoHo," says Lundqvist, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Thursday. "It's peaceful, more relaxed...In Sweden, it felt like someone was watching all the time. Here, nobody knows who you are, so it's nice."

Lundqvist, who also strums a guitar in his spare time and plays in his own garage band, may want to treasure that anonymity while he's still got it, because even though he craves privacy, he is sure to become a media darling if the Rangers make a significant playoff run.

Even if the Blueshirts falter, Lundqvist has already become a fan favorite at the Garden, where he's greeted by a standing ovation when starting lineups are introduced and the faithful chant "Hen-REEK! Hen-REEK!" after every big save.

"It's always nice hearing your name," Lundqvist says. "It's been great the whole year since I got here, to get the fans on your side and the way they support you, I don't get stressed. As long as you're winning, they're going to be happy, so that's what I'm going to try to do."

So far in his first season in North America, Lundqvist has done it. Entering Friday night's games, his .927 save percentage was the best in the league and his 2.09 goals against average was tied for second.

"He's been tremendous all year," says Moore, one of Lundqvist's closest friends on the Rangers. "He's a very competitive guy, very competitive goalie. He's become more and more confident as we've gone along, and a confident goalie is tough to beat."

Before the Olympics gave Lundqvist even more reason to be confident in his skills, fellow Swede Mikael Tellqvist of the Maple Leafs noted that the last Swedish goalie to win the Vezina Trophy was the late Pelle Lindbergh in 1985, and "hopefully (Lundqvist will) win it in the future."

The future may be now. Lundqvist is on the cover of this week's edition of The Hockey News, with a headline reading, "Calder? Vezina? Hart?" Indeed, Lundqvist is emerging as a legitimate candidate for the NHL's rookie of the year, top goaltender and MVP awards.

"I knew he was going to make the NHL," says Alfredsson, who was teammates with Lundqvist last season in the Swedish Elite League during the lockout. "I didn't know he was going to take the No. 1 role so quickly. It's been impressive."

Last year's lockout was a boon for Lundqvist's confidence. With several NHL players playing in the Swedish league, he got a taste of what it was like to go against the world's best. Not only that, he starred - posting a 1.79 goals against average and .936 save percentage in the regular season, followed by superhuman marks of 1.06 and .962 in the playoffs to help Vastra Frolunda HC Goteborg win the championship.

"He's always been a big goalie, covers a lot of the net and really intimidates shooters when they're coming at him because of his size, and his quickness," Steen says. "When he goes down, he's real fast to get right back on his feet. All around, he's probably the best goalie I've seen. Playing with him and seeing him as a person, you kind of knew that when he came over, he was going to be big here, too."

Throw an Olympic gold medal into the mix, and it's hard to dismiss Lundqvist's early success in the NHL as a fluke.

"I think that what's happening now is that this side of the pond is starting to realize exactly how good this young fellow is," Rangers coach Tom Renney says. "Certainly in Europe and those of us who have had experience over there sort of saw this coming - not to this degree, I'm not going to take credit for that. But certainly people are starting to realize this guy's for real."

Lundqvist's superb play has made a difficult situation a little easier to handle for Kevin Weekes, an eight-year NHL veteran who entered the season as the Rangers' starting goalie before Lundqvist played his way into stardom. If Weekes is going to play less, at least he knows that it's because Lundqvist is having a season to remember.

"For him, it's obviously great, especially being in his first year and playing as much as he has and playing so well, it's been outstanding," Weekes says. "For me, it's been an adjustment, and a little challenging, but I've learned to adapt and it's served our team well, and just about every game, we've given the guys a chance to win, be it he or myself. We have good chemistry and work well together, and have an outstanding goalie coach in Benoit Allaire, and the other coaches have really helped the situation."

Weekes, who helped the Carolina Hurricanes reach the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, has also been able to bond with Lundqvist on matters of style.

"I have a little bit more classic, Italian, African-American fashion, while Henrik is certainly a bit more trendy and European," Weekes says. "But he understands clothes well and is a sharp dresser. The guys on the team kind of tease us a bit, but it's a common interest that he and I share and have some discussions about, so it's cool."

Lundqvist says he doesn't have a favorite designer, although he is looking forward to a brand called Tiger of Sweden bringing its wares to the American market.

"Everything in Europe is more tight, everything here is more comfort," Lundqvist says. "In Europe, it's more tight and fits your body better. Everything, shirts, suits. I like to feel my clothes, feel a suit. I tried a really nice suit over here - they said it was really nice - but I couldn't feel it. It was so loose."

While he enjoys the feel of a suit, Lundqvist's typical look includes jeans and a skinny tie, a throwback look that he says has been big in Sweden for a couple of years and is growing in the U.S.

"It's a little bit '60s, a little bit of a Beatles look," Lundqvist says.

Lundqvist knows that dressing like a Beatle is about as close as he can come to music stardom, even if Steen, the Maple Leafs' Swedish rookie, says that his friend is "pretty good with the guitar."

"I don't know if people think we're good or something," Lundqvist says of Boxplay, the band he plays in with his twin brother, Joel. "We just have fun. We don't record any songs. We just play."

The band plays covers of music from Swedish rock to Green Day, but they'll have to wait for summer to jam again. Joel, a third-round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2000, remains in Sweden as a center for Frolunda. This is the first season that Henrik and Joel have not been teammates.

"You miss your family," says Henrik, who was picked in the seventh round in 2000, then spent five seasons honing his skills at home before deciding to try his hand at the NHL. "Mom, Dad, sister, brother, friends, of course. It's going to be nice to go back in the summer and hang out."

Lundqvist laughs when he talks about Boxplay, and stops just short of burying his head in his hands, almost embarrassed to talk about a musical endeavor that he thinks of as nothing more than a hobby.

When it comes to his job, though, Lundqvist is supremely confident. He's a different person on game days, believing that he plays better when he's angry.

"At the rink, he's very intense, works hard, prepares and tries to get better," says Alfredsson, the Ottawa star. "Off the ice, he's more flamboyant. He's a funny guy, likes the attention. He's a happy guy, likes to joke around and be one of the guys."

While Lundqvist likes to blend in off the ice, he's been a trendsetter on it: at the Garden, winning is once again in fashion.




http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/2006/03/05/2006-03-05_the_model_behind_the_mask__l.html

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Henke - beautiful in the world (2006)



NEW YORK. What do Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez together with Henrik Lundqvist?
Answer: They are prettiest in the world.
People magazine has the Swedish star goalkeeper on its list of world's 100 most beautiful.
- Proud? Well, that was mostly a fun thing. Brad and I, laughing Henke.


Henrik Lundqvist has taken New York and the U.S. by storm. 24-year-old has been in record time superstar in Manhattan and the given the King of New York Rangers. To the team's home games at Madison Square Garden, hundreds of women in sweaters with Lundqvist's name. Now he has received yet another award to add to your collection. The respected magazine People list every year the world's 100 most beautiful list, and where there Lundqvist with a styled photo from the Rangers dressing room. "He helped his country win gold in the Olympics. Now he's challenger for Rookie of the Year Award", the newspaper said.
Become embarrassed

- So you've seen it there, "said Henry, laughing. - I do not know what to say, he continues embarrassed. That's not to take so seriously, right? What I understood they wanted a sports guy on the list.

Sure. But there is a few to choose from, and they chose you. - It's fun, but I do not know if lists are so important.

You and Brad Pitt are now beautiful in the world. - (Laughter) What a thing, huh? Can you say no comment?

Are you vain? - No, I do not. I will not go around all the time and think about how I look. But yes, sometimes even want to be extra nice.

Do you spend much money on clothes? - Both. I think very much about clothes. Once I go out and acting in New York, it might be a good deal. But where it goes in cycles.

How will you celebrate it? - Not at all. That's nothing to celebrate.

Lundqvist welcomes Rangers' goal support (N.Y Post Article, 2010)





Confidence is contagious, and if the Rangers wanted to trace why they have suddenly found the ability to score -- after it was so distant to them for the first 48 games of the year -- then the right direction to look might be between their own pipes.
Henrik Lundqvist has been one of the only consistent pieces to the rather jagged puzzle of the Rangers season. So when they exploded for 14 goals over their previous two games, that confidence might be due to the fact that they know no matter what happens, the guy in their crease is the one guy they can trust.

"I hope they feel confidence in me the same way I feel confidence in them in front of me," Lundqvist said yesterday after practice. "Confidence is a two-way street."
It's about time some support started coming down that street in Lundqvist's direction.
Going into tonight's game in Philadelphia (7:00; MSG, ESPN 1050 AM), Lundqvist has given up two or fewer goals in 15 of his previous 17 games. Yet, minus the most recent two-game outburst, during that span Lundqvist was receiving just 1.88 goals in support.
"It's good to see these guys get confidence scoring, it's important," Lundqvist said. "[Tuesday] night we had a lot of guys scoring, not just one guy. It builds confidence, not only for [the offense], but for the whole game."
The most important thing during that stretch is that the Blueshirts have gone 10-3-4 and have fought their way back into a tie for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
"The past couple games, we scored goals," coach John Tortorella said with a shrug. "We continue to practice and prepare the same way, we're going to try and continue doing that to try and stay consistent."
If anything substantiates the Rangers' utter reliance on Lundqvist it is the fact that their backup goalie situation has been in flux since they sent down veteran Steve Valliquette on Dec. 3.
Since then, there has been a revolving door between Broadway and Hartford for neophyte netminders, the most recent transaction coming yesterday when Chad Johnson, 23, was sent down and Matt Zaba, 26, was recalled to backup for the upcoming two-game road trip.
"We don't want to lose development with our goaltending," said Tortorella after stating the Johnson will likely get two or three starts for the Wolfpack while the Rangers are away. "You walk a fine line there, as far as carrying people versus them playing [in the minors]."
Luckily, the Rangers don't have to worry about their starting goalie being sub-par. By starting 44 of the first 50 games, Lundqvist is in the midst of carrying the heaviest workload in his 4½ NHL seasons. He is also slotted to be the starter for Team Sweden come the Olympics next month, but if he can keep riding this wave, it shouldn't be a problem.
"Personally, the last 20-25 games, I've been playing the way I want to play, and the way I have to play, if I want to give us a chance to win games," Lundqvist said. "My game doesn't really change that much, no matter how the offense is playing."


Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/lundqvist_welcomes_rangers_support_ydfVLa2TavsQR66LStRzvI#ixzz0dHTVhf5B

Lundqvist has found home in New York (2009)


NEW YORK. New York made the curious boy to the man who knows what he wants. "I built a life here. I never thought I would enjoy as well," said Henrik Lundqvist. TT got an exclusive visit to the goalkeeper's home - a conversation about the city he loves, a Lamborghini and crashed too narrow neckties.

Name: Henrik Lundqvist.

Born: March 2, 1982 in Åre.

Family: Girlfriend Therese Andersson, twin brother Joel.

Favorite Idrottsminne: Olympic gold in Turin.
Interest outside of hockey: Music.

Top destinations: Brazil and Thailand.
(TT)

It may have taken his time, but included in his fifth season in the NHL is life like Lundqvist desired.

- The contract (six years) meant a lot, mostly in the form of security. That the club believes in me, want me a long time and for the economic part, of course, "said Lundqvist, when we struck us down in lägenhetskomplexets collection space.

The organization that owns the Rangers and the basketball team the New York Knicks have also nominated him for a spokesman for the charity, "Garden of Dreams."

- I wanted to start my own organization and organizing events to raise money for sick children, but they asked if I could do more for the Garden of dreams instead. It is of course "for children in crisis" as a slogan, so it is for children with all sorts of needs.

Has five years changed respect toward you? For example, you get less shall be by coach John Tortorella?

- He gives me the confidence and support, but it is not coddle. I have played so badly, I hear it. It was a bit strange in the beginning with such name-calling before the whole group. But there are straight lines and I like that he treats everyone equally.

Have you changed itself over the years here?

- I was 23 when I came here, now I'm 27th It's a pretty big difference and I feel much more adult. It's another quiet maybe.

- I never thought I would enjoy this good in New York. Now when you prepare the home that you want to live in, it has become more like that I built a life here. The social situation has become more important - it's not just hockey. I am alive and well.

Sounds like you intend to start a family with kids and everything?

- Well, children may account for my brother. There are many friends who have children now, but we're not there yet. We live in New York and has a completely different tempo. I played in Buffalo, maybe I tried the next step in life.

What will be the best in the house after the renovation?

- The terrace is my favorite place. The type is one hundred square and where shall we have a jacuzzi, a bar and you should be able to watch TV out there.

No place for playing Guitar Hero?

- No, I am useless at Guitar Hero, it's just real guitars that apply. I lirade with Jay Weinberg recently (the drummer who played with Bruce Springsteen). He was ridiculously good, I had to make an effort to close the mouth.

You can be seen more often in the fashion context?

- It is obvious that we Europeans are a bit different style compared to American and Canadian players. It was mostly in the beginning there was a clash of cultures. I remember that I came up with a narrow tie five years ago when there were here. When people asked if I cleaned his teeth with the floss where I had around his neck.

Speaking of cars, you drove off the road with your Lamborghini lately. Were you scared?

- Yes, it was horrible. It went so quickly. The water and grabbed the car. It was just to scrap it. The engine sits behind the Lamborghini, and it was an ugly car to drive when it is dry - as a go-cart - but not in rain.

How did you feel afterwards?

- Shaky. It took several days to get over, I thought about it every five minutes for sure. Just when it happened I just sat in the car and was pissed that I sabbath. But when I came to the rink, I realized how lucky I had.

Olympics approaching. How do you see it?

- I am thinking more and more of it. Especially now when we were in Canada and saw the advertisement for the Olympics on television. You have to get there in good shape and reach their peak at the quarter-finals, semi and hopefully final.

Do you feel pressure on yourself?

- Well, since the OS is as short as a lot will be about goalkeeper, the game, you can not afford mistakes. But it is not news. It is always up to the team, but there is enough pressure on me from all sides, though mostly from myself.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Henry likes to be the king of Manhattan (2007) DN.se


He is punctual. World Star Henrik Lundqvist sliding in with his beautiful glasses and nice, easy and free style meets up myself, not one minute late. He found in Bastad course as he does in his own pocket. Where it currently fits quite so thick wallet. Not long ago he signed a six-year contract with New York Rangers, which immediately made him financially independent. The money he has already begun to invest.
- I bought some buildings and apartments. One in Florida and a course in New York. Economy 's clear now, no doubt about that. One should try to invest money wisely, live well and continue to buy new homes.

Dubai?
- It may be my next purchase, laughing.

Do you have any plans to use your name in the future in business?
- There is much business in the United States clearly. I've had some offers already, so there are no giant-sized, but still. We'll see, but I may be enough to reassure me a bit before I think I am Björn Borg.

You called for King Henry and socialize with royalty now. How is your relationship with Princess Madeleine?
- We have mutual friends in New York and there are those who have brought us together. About my nickname first coined in the New York Post after I made a good season, I can only say: I do not mind the nickname.

Are you fashion conscious?
- Of course I like to dress me nice, but I can hardly be compared with Fredrik Ljungberg. But yes, I like to shop.

How does all this success that has been changed you personally?
- My life has changed a lot over the past five years. Inboard, I have not changed me so much. On the other hand, maybe it comes out differently. The real friends I have left, since I'm not the world best at keeping in touch with everyone.

How do you see the tennis week in Bastad?
- The family always celebrate holidays here. It has become a tradition and now my parents live here now and I have myself lived here for five years. Fun week and it happens a lot.

Now you are established in the NHL - the very policy it was before you had your breakthrough?
- There is policy in the NHL with players with big contracts and the players that they must let the play. I was lucky to not have as stiff competition when I went over. You may of course not many chances as the seventh choice (in draft) in a team in the NHL. You have to be one hundred percent ready once you get there, otherwise they can end badly.

Who got you under?
- Darius Kasparaitis ran very much to me. He had a Swedish wife then, but now he has a new Swedish girl, laughing.

Divan, Jaromir Jagr has now left the Rangers for Russia - what do you say about the transition?
- Jagr is basically a good person, a bit quiet on the new on the team maybe. He put enormous pressure on himself and his surroundings.

KHL?
- The world's best line after the NHL, but they need to recruit more Jagr if they are to threaten seriously.

He has scolded you?
- I made a gaffe once who did that we dare booked the match. Then he was really angry at me, but it was Nylander also. It may be taken.

You were one of the few established stars who accepted the World Cup how were you then?
- The team can make me BELOVED BY THE PEOPLE. Moreover, I felt justified. But I understand all that she did not. It has been a long season in the back.

You do not think it had with Bengt-Ake Gustavsson that person to do?
- No, absolutely not.

What do you do when you're not playing hockey?
- Is the dinners and so ...

It sounds a bit monotonous and boring.
- Yes, but what do you want us to do, ride on a wheel like a circus artist (laughs).

A slightly different question now. How do you see to be so like Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon?
- The I have nothing against.

Better than to emulate Victory Tilly as Ronaldinho?
- (Laughter) Yes, certainly.

Finally, what do you most of all right now?
- To get to win the Stanley Cup, win the Vezina Trophy and the family must feel good.

Sweden's Lundqvist Still Playing to the Crowd ( N.Y Times Article, 2006)


TURIN, Italy, Feb. 25 — Hockey's one-man cover band hits the big stage Sunday, finally with his own material


No longer does Henrik Lundqvist have to perform anyone else's lyrics. Sweden always wanted him to be the reincarnation of a legend who died young. New York wanted him to be the replacement for an icon who left quietly. Even fans of Lundqvist's music appreciated most that he could imitate others, usually Lars Winnerback, a Swedish rocker whom the masses found comfortable.

Lundqvist honored all requests. He reminded his fellow Swedes of Pelle Lindbergh, the celebrated Flyers goalie who died in a car crash at 26 in 1985. He reminded New Yorkers of Mike Richter, the Rangers goalie who retired three years ago. Lundqvist even formed a band in his spare time that blasted Winnerback's greatest hits.

Lundqvist, the guy on bass guitar, is now playing lead for the Swedish Olympic hockey team. In six frenetic months, he has become the Rangers' starting goalie, steered them to first place in the Atlantic Division, and made himself a candidate for the N.H.L.'s rookie of the year award. With a victory over Finland on Sunday, he will also be an Olympic gold medalist, the kind of player who needs to impersonate no one, because everybody is trying to impersonate him.

"It's been amazing," he said. "All my dreams are coming true at once. But looking back, I think the key to this was going to New York and getting a really good start."

Lundqvist's first purchases in Manhattan were a guitar and a harmonica. When he reported to the Rangers' training camp in September, a former seventh-round draft choice scraping for a roster spot, he was just trying to win a backup job. The Rangers already had their starting goalie, Kevin Weekes. They also had a goalie prospect, Al Montoya, who was drafted in the first round and paid almost $1 million.

But Lundqvist found that public sentiment shifts as quickly in New York as it does in Stockholm. Montoya was sent to the minor leagues. Weekes was booed at Madison Square Garden. And out skated this 23-year-old with a shaggy haircut and an unkempt beard. He looked as if he had been club-hopping all night.

"In some ways," said Kenny Jonsson, a Swedish defenseman and former Islanders captain, "Henrik can look more like he is 33 than 23."

The notion of a rock-star goalie must have appealed to Manhattan. The crowds started chanting Lundqvist's name before they could have possibly learned how to spell it. If Jaromir Jagr was the Rangers' veteran superstar, leading the offensive surge, Lundqvist was the rookie stopper, anchoring the other end.

His unlikely ascent in New York was mimicked back home. Lundqvist became the Rangers' starting goalie because Weekes was inconsistent. He became Sweden's Olympic goalie because Tommy Salo was disgraced. The last time many fans paid attention to Swedish hockey was at the Salt Lake Games in 2002, when Salo allowed the softest goal conceivable, a shot from center ice by Vladimir Kopat of Belarus.

The next morning, the headlines in Sweden screamed, "Darkest Day in Swedish Sports History." Lundqvist, a sunburst wherever he goes, quickly emerged as Salo's obvious heir, starring for Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League. When Lundqvist was not deflecting shots, he was strumming chords for his band, Box Play, along with three Frolunda teammates. Lundqvist's twin brother, Joel, was on the drums.

"I know it's a surprise to a lot of people what he's done," Olli Jokinen of Finland said. "But everyone knew the past couple years that he was the best goalie in Europe."

Lundqvist allows his teammates to take chances because they believe he will wipe away most of their mistakes. Just as the Rangers like to push the puck and rush the net, the Swedes encourage their defensemen to take an aggressive approach. If they commit a turnover and the opposing team has a breakaway as a result, Lundqvist can square his body, drop into his stance and make everything O.K.

"When you know you have a good goalie, you have more confidence in the way you play defensively," said Christian Backman, a Swedish defenseman. "You can give up certain shots that you know he can save."

Stardom has come quickly to Lundqvist, which may be why he appears so untouched by it. He still looks as though he lost his razor and cannot afford a decent haircut. He laments that Box Play is on hiatus during hockey season, but he anticipates a raucous reunion in the summer. "It's a lot of fun," he said, "even though we're not really that good."

Lundqvist does like to make clear, though, that his group is fundamentally different from Abba, the Swedish pop band whose bubble-gum sound follows the hockey team wherever it goes. During Sweden's semifinal victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, the stereo system at Palasport Olimpico blared a song by Abba, just as the Swedes were getting ready to celebrate.

Apparently, Olympic organizers did not have any Winnerback, and no cover bands were available.


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/sports/olympics/26lundqvist.html?_r=1

Translated Swedish Henrik Lundqvist interview from 2006


Henrik Lundqvist in large interview about live as a star in New York.

New York: henrik Lundwvist is king of Manhattan.
I an large interview with Sport Expressen he tells about the pressure to succed, the dream of Stanlay Cup and his life with girlfriend Therese.
- When nothing works and I feel bad, then it's the family and Therese that helps me, and that means a lot for me.

Henke jumps into his big jeep, Hummer H3. He's properly dressed in a tight grey suit. And a pair of big black Dolce&Gabbana shades.
Nwew York Rangers fans immiedtiatly recognises their savior and hero.
- Henrik, your're the best! they shout.
Henrik shurgs nervously.
- It's not usually like this when I'm around town he says apologising-
- I actually have a nice and anonymous life here at Manhattan. Hockey isn't the biggest sport.

Unsure a year ago.
Exactly a year ago Sport Expressen met Henrik Lundqvist in Tarrytown at NYR's camp.
Then he was nervous and unsure.
- I had no idea if I'd make the team.
Today, one year leater, he's the biggest star of the team, not even Jaromir Jagr matches his cult status.
Inside MSG jersey with his names is sold more than ever. Signed photos and pucks are sold on the team homepage.
- It's a dizzying feeling. I had actually forgotten how it was.
- Until I got back after summer and had my first game at the garden. To hear the audience shout my name brought back a lot of memories from last season.
Appointed first goalie.
Sport-Expressen has earlier written that Henrik is the first goali for this season. former star Kevin Weekes will have to settle in the shade.
Team coach tom Renny states:
- I count on Henke this season to 100 000 (sic)%
Henke laughs when he's told what Tom Renney stated.
- Well, then I'll have to live up to it. I know that I have a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. But don't forget that I'm just one piece in the puzzle.

(Translators braindump, *** is 'prestationsångest' in english?)
Can you suffer from to much pressure?
- I know that I can't do more than my best. I try not to think in the terms of pressure. It can easily get so negative.
- I played in Frölunda for 5 years and had the same pressure then.

You can't compare Frölunda with Rangers and MSG?
- I can, Sure it's a bigger scene. But it's still the same pressure. It's acutally no difference.

When stuff get's gard. What do you do?
- I try not to dig in. I think that it important. Don't think it over and over again. Try instead to find something fun and think of something else.

Has a different selfconfidence.
What's the difference this season compared to last?
- First and foremast that I feel at home here now. I know how stuff works. All the media circus which is huge in New York.
- And then I know hoe everything works around games and practices. All that helps.

Difference in the game?
- I know what I can. I've got a better self confidence. Then it's of course always things that can be adjusted and get better.
- There are situations and goals from last season that we go over several times. Goals that I hopefully won't let in this season.

What driving you?
- To make a better season than the last one. First target is playoff. Then there's always the dream of going all the way to the final and win it. We have to team that can do it.

Personal goals?
- Stay in Rangers. I've got contract for this year, but my ambition is to stay. I really enjoy playing here.
Henrik Lundwvist also has a new life outside the ice. This week they moved from White Plains, north of NY, to Manhattan and the west side. He and his gf has bought a roomy apartment with two bedrooms and livingroom.
- It's important to have a functional social life. The other apartment was good but now it's easier to find something to do when you've got time off.

You get time off?
- Well, not much. But the time I have I try to spend with Therese. We like going to restuarant and concerts.

And what does Therese say about all the time you're away?
- she buys it and she knows what we'er in for. It's the life we have chosen.

http://www.expressen.se/1.429354

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Have you ever met Henrik?



Have any of you out there ever had the opportunity to meet Henrik? I recently thought of the idea that maybe some of Henrik's fans would like to share their stories or pictures of meeting him right here on the blog. I've been lucky enough to meet Henrik four times, and have an interesting story to tell about the first time I met him. I'll save that story for another time. Leave me some feedback and let me know if this is something you would be interested in or not.

White Pearl - Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers, NHL, 2009-2010



http://www.daveart.com/mask-gallery/set/72157623001189604/default.aspx



Henrik Lundqvist recently debuted his newest mask against the Montreal Canadians. The mask is white pearl, which is a first for Henrik as a Ranger. Click on the link above for more information on the mask, as well as a photo gallery.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Henrik Lundqvist's Jersey a Top Seller





We all know Henrik Lundqvist is the most popular player on the New York Rangers, but a new list confirms that he is also one of the most popular players in the entire league. According to the Shop.NHL.com blog, which today released a list of top selling NHL player jerseys for 2009, Henrik Lundqvist's jersey was the fourth best selling jersey of the year. He is the highest placed goalie, finishing one spot ahead of Martin Brodeur.


http://hotofftheice.nhl.com/blog/2010/01/top-selling-nhl-player-jerseys.html

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Henrik Lundqvist Olympic Biography from NBCOlympics.com




Golden opportunity
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist helped lead Sweden to gold in 2006, during his first season in the NHL. Since then, he has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the league, helping the Rangers to the playoffs in each of his four seasons. Before playing in the NHL, Lundqvist had success in Sweden's professional hockey league, winning the award for the best goaltender in 2003, 2004 and 2005.


In Torino, Lundqvist was an NHL rookie, but his Swedish league experience made him the easy choice as the starter for Sweden, who had last won the gold medal in 1994. He started six of Sweden's eight games, posting five wins with a goals against average of 2.33. In the gold-medal game against Finland, Lundqvist made 25 saves, with the best one coming in the final minute when he robbed Olli Jokinen of what would have been the tying goal. Sweden won the game 3-2. After the win, and celebration in Italy, the team flew to Stockholm to join the party at home before returning to the United States to resume the NHL season.


Fashion forward
Lundqvist became a fan favorite during his first season in New York, when his at times outstanding play carried the Rangers to the playoffs for the first time since 1997. That season, he earned the nickname "King Henrik," and is also known as "Hank." His penchant for fashion has drawn attention, with Hugo Boss and Dior among his off-ice looks. In April 2006, Lundqvist was named one of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People. He has been spotted at fashion shows during New York's fashion week, and was on the cover of the New York Post's 2008 Page Six Magazine, as "The World's Sexiest Ice Man."

Start in sport
Lundqvist hails from Are, the site of Sweden's most popular ski resort. He and his twin brother, Joel, began skating at a young age. They joined a team at age 8, and Joel volunteered Henrik to play goalie during a practice. Three years later, the family moved south to Bastad so their sister, Gabriella, could pursue a tennis career. Joel and Henrik stuck with hockey, and frequently attended professional games because their father's company sponsored the team Frolunda. That became their favorite team, and both brothers went on to play for that team in the Swedish league.

Twin careers
Henrik and Joel were both drafted in 2000, Henrik by the Rangers at 205th overall, and Joel, who plays center, by the Dallas Stars at 68th overall. Joel made his NHL debut in December 2006, and that month got the chance to play against Henrik and the Rangers, marking the first time in the NHL than a goaltender faced his twin. They are the third set of twins ever to play each other in an NHl game. Joel played for the Stars sporadically through the 2008-09 season as a fourth-line center before returning to Sweden. This season, he is serving as Frolunda's captain.

Swedish standout
Before coming to the NHL, Lundqvist had three outstanding seasons for Frolunda. He won the award for the league's best goaltender in 2003, 2004 and 2005, leading the team to the league title in 2003 and 2005. His final season in the league, 2004-05, Lunqdvist also was named the MVP of the league and Sweden's best player. He also started in goal for Sweden at the 2004 and 2005 world championships, earning a silver in 2004 and fourth place in 2005.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=2387/bio/index.html

Lundqvist happy to be back in New York (2008)


Goaltender refreshed after summer in Sweden

Three years ago, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist came to his first Rangers training camp with only an outside shot at making the team. Three Vezina Trophy nominations later, Lundqvist is one of the cornerstones of the Rangers and certainly knows what is expected of him during the team’s upcoming camp.
Lundqvist arrived at the Madison Square Garden Training Center well in advance of camp to work out and skate with his Rangers teammates. After practice on Thursday, shortly before heading into the city for an appearance at Fashion Week’s Tommy Hilfiger show, he sat down with newyorkrangers.com for an informal chat about his off-season experience and the season to come.

Question: Shortly after you appeared at the NHL Awards event in June, you went back to Sweden for the rest of the summer. How was your time there?

Lundqvist: Well, I had a great summer. I went back to Sweden for two months and just spent some time with family and friends. I also went to Italy for a couple of days. Most of the time I spent on (Sweden’s) West Coast and just relaxed and had a really good time.

Question: You're obviously a very well-known athlete in your home country. Do you find you’re recognized even more when you’re back there.

Lundqvist: Yeah, there's a big difference. People recognize me more, that's for sure. It's fun to come home and hear how people appreciate what you do and they recognize how well you've done over the last couple of years. It's always fun, people say congrats and you did very well; it's always fun to hear. But in the long run it's relaxing to be here (in New York) and not as many people recognize you in public. ... I played five years in Sweden. Even though they write about the NHL, you're more in the media when you play over there than here because of the time difference and stuff like that. It's good to relax and walk around here (New York) and just live a normal life.

Question: On that subject, did you talk to any people in Sweden who said they might come to see the Rangers play the regular-season opener in Prague?

Lundqvist: Sweden is actually going to host one NHL game, too. Pittsburgh is going to play against Ottawa. That's big for them, but a lot of people are not going to be able to watch that game in person. As far as the Prague game, you know, I think there's not that many Swedes living down there. If they want to watch an NHL game, they'll probably try to go to Stockholm and watch Ottawa-Pittsburgh.

Question: What does it mean for the Rangers to be playing NHL games on the European continent?

Lundqvist: I think it's good for the game and for the league. We have a lot of fans in Europe. With the time difference in the U.S., sometimes it's hard to follow it. But I mean now you can pretty much watch every NHL game. When I was growing up, you couldn't watch the games that much. So, it's definitely good.

Question: Will the games in Prague be emotional for you personally because you’ll playing in Europe?

Lundqvist: Well, maybe it would be if I played in my home in Sweden, especially in Gothenburg. Playing in Prague I think it's going to be fun, but it's not going to be the same feeling. ... To have a lot of friends in the stands and to play in front of them. I mean for me, if we were to go to Gothenburg and play in the arena where I played for seven years and had a special relationship with the fans, that would be really different. I'm really looking forward to going to Prague to play. It's going to be special, but I can't compare it to playing at home.

Question: When you're over there and away from hockey for a few months like this, do you really miss the game? Do you miss the team and do you think about how you can't wait to get back?

Lundqvist: Yeah, you know, the first couple of weeks (after the season) you're just happy to have some time off and then you start working out and then the last couple of weeks you spend really just wanting to come back to New York and start practicing. I was really excited to come back here because I felt like I came back home.

Question: What did you think when you heard that Markus Naslund would be joining the Rangers? How much have you played with him for Team Sweden in the past?

Lundqvist: Well, I haven't played that much with Markus. I know he's a good guy and a good player, obviously.

Question: He would have been on the 2006 Swedish Olympic team with you, but he missed those Olympics due to an injury. Were there other big tournaments you remember having him as a teammate?

Lundqvist: I think I played only one tournament on a team with him. The World Cup in 2004.

Question: There are other Rangers newcomers along with Naslund. What are your thoughts on all the roster additions as you head into a new season?

Lundqvist: This summer was very exciting. You don't know how it's going to look in the end, but a lot of guys are excited right now to see where it's going.


http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=493643

The Five-Minute Interview: Henrik Lundqvist (2007)


Lundqvist took time out from his workout regimen for an exclusive five-minute interview.



Question: Tell us about your summer. Did you spend a lot of time at home in Sweden?

Lundqvist: I stayed in New York until mid-June. Then I went back to Sweden for a few months and spent time with friends and family. I got back here a week ago, and now I'm getting ready.

Q: Are there are a lot of NHL and Rangers fans in Sweden these days? Do people come up to you and talk about the Rangers?

Lundqvist: Yes, they do. They think it's fun, and they're happy that it's been going well for me. Obviously there are lots of Swedes in the NHL, but a lot of people are now following the Rangers, for sure. That's happened.

Q: Anders Hedberg recently rejoined the Rangers organization as a European scout based in Sweden. You and he are two of the best Swedish players in the team's history. How familiar are you with him?

Lundqvist: I met him through the national team when he was working for the national team a few years back. It's great to have him here again. He's obviously done a lot of great things for this organization in the past, so I think it's good to have him as a scout.

Q: You resumed working out at the MSG Training Center well before the official start of training camp. What are your goals between now and the opening of camp on Sept. 13?

Lundqvist: First you just want to get back here and get your technique back. You're a little rusty the first couple of weeks. You need to skate a lot. It's also fun to see a lot of the guys starting to come back. We just try to work really hard before camp, because we don't have that many weeks to get going before the season starts.

Q: Do you feel you're even more focused going into this season as a result of the strong playoff performance last spring?

Lundqvist: I think a lot of guys are just really excited to be back. The team looks really interesting right now. We've signed up some really good players for this season and I think a lot of guys are excited to get things going here.

Q: Where were you on July 1 when the Rangers signed Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, and what went through your mind when you heard the news?

Lundqvist: I was back in Sweden, and it was great to hear. I was really happy, because this is good for the team, good for the organization and good for the fans who get to see these two really good players here. It's definitely going to help us improve our team this year and be an even better team.

Q: Drury scored a very memorable goal against you in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals last May. Have you talked to him about that now that you're teammates?

Lundqvist: I have talked to him, but we have not talked about that. It will probably come up during the year, at least one or two times. He seems like a great guy, and I know he's a really good player.

Q: With the new faces and returning veterans, do you feel the team is stronger right now than it was going into the season a year ago?

Lundqvist: I think we're stronger than last year. The team looks very similar to last year, but we just added a couple of really good players. Also, there are some younger guys coming up who look really good. We had expectations last year, too, and we know we just have to do well. It's a lot of hard work. Even though we've got so many good players coming into this season, it's going to be a really tough season because a lot of teams are looking really good out there.

Q: Last year, the team didn't really take off until the second half of the season. Will there be more pressure to get off to a fast start this time?

Lundqvist: That was last year, and it's hard to predict how the season will be. Our goal right now is just to get ready for the season and Game 1. You don't try to look too far ahead. Obviously, you want to have a good year and prepare for a good playoffs, but that's so far away that right now our focus is just on getting ready for the season.

Q: This will be your third season with the Rangers. Do you now feel as comfortable in the NHL as you ever did playing in Sweden?

Lundqvist: I guess, if it's really possible to ever feel comfortable. It's a tough game out there for a goalie. You need to perform and win games. You need to help the team all the time, and it takes a lot out of you to stay at the top. It's exciting, though, and I know it's a lot of hard work in front of me to try to be even better this year. It feels good, though. I feel more confident this year and I know what to expect. The first year I was here, I didn't know at all what I was going to get into. Last year, I had a better feeling about it, but this year I really know what's going on around the league and what it means to play in this league. But at the same time, things can change so fast, that you always have to be aware of how hard you have to work just to get ready for a new season.


http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=493272#

Monday, January 11, 2010

Henrik Lundqvist Memorabilia from Steiner Sports




http://www.steinersports.com/ssm/control/category/~pcategory=1003/~browseCats=10689/~VIEW_SIZE=29/~VIEW_INDEX=0


If you are looking for authentic Henrik Lundqvist memorabilia, including everything from autographed 8x10 photos, to autographed game-model hockey sticks, to autographed authentic game- model pucks, than I suggest you click on the link above to browse the Henrik Lundqvist Collection at Steinersports.com. I have been buying memorabilia from Steiner Sports for years and I can guarantee you that their memorabilia is 100% percent authentic.

Henrik Lundqvist shop at NHL.com


http://shop.nhl.com/family/index.jsp?fbc=1&f=PAD%2FPlayer%2FHenrik+Lundqvist&categoryId=3176615&fbn=Player%7CHenrik+Lundqvist&view=all

If you are looking for Henrik Lundqvist merchandise than look no further than the link above. Click on it to be directed to the official NHL.com online shop, which has a section devoted to Henrik.

New York Rangers Casino Night 2010





Monday, February 8 from 7-10 p.m.
Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway (at 36th Street), New York, NY 10118


The New York Rangers and the Garden of Dreams Foundation invite you to attend Casino Night on Monday, February 8, from 7-10 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York.

This annual fundraising event, presented by OppenheimerFunds, is a perennial fan favorite and features the entire New York Rangers team and select alumni. The evening includes playing alongside the Rangers players, as well as a buffet dinner, silent and live auctions.


Individual Ace Tickets: $500
Limited number of tickets available.


Full House VIP Tickets: $1,000
Includes exclusive access to pre-event reception with Adam Graves and Rod Gilbert, as well as members of the Coaching Staff and/or Glen Sather from 6-7 p.m., plus a special team gift.


High Roller VIP Tickets: $2,000
Includes exclusive access to pre-event reception with members of the 2009-10 NY Rangers from 6-7 p.m., plus a special team gift.


A portion of your ticket price may be tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

PLEASE NOTE:
Attendees must be age 21 years and over
Jacket required for men; cocktail attire for women
In order to maintain a quality casino type event, please DO NOT bring items to be autographed. There are no autographs allowed at Casino Night.
Call 1-877-MSG-GOAL for Tickets




All net proceeds to benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a public charity.

A copy of the Foundation’s annual report may be obtained, upon request, from the Garden of Dreams Foundation, 2 Penn Plaza – 14th Floor, New York, NY 10121 or from the office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Some interesting random facts about Henrik

!-- LIFE IMAGE 83773896 -->


Hockey idols growing up: Peter Lindmark, Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek
Favorite TV show: House - Love the dialogue”
Favorite movie: Gladiator - “Great soundtrack and picture”
Favorite Sport (besides Hockey): Soccer
Hobbies: Playing guitar, Skiing, Golf
Pet Peeves: Grid Lock
My Perfect Pizza: Cheese, Fresh Tomatoes, Meat Sauce
Favorite Smell: Cigar smell after a Championship win
Favorite Season: Spring
Favorite Ice Cream: Flavor Blueberry
Favorite Car: Maserati
Favorite Candy Bar: Mars Bars
Favorite Drink: Coke and Vitamin Water
Define yourself in three words: “HATE TO LOSE!!”
Favorite Song to Play on Guitar: Everlong - Foo Fighters
Favorite Song: My Hero - Foo Fighters
Favorite Bands: Foo Fighters, Hakan Hellstrom (Swedish), Lars Winnerback (Swedish)
Dream Vacation: Thailand
Favorite Item I own: My Car
Favorite Restaurant: Vento – “great Italian!” & Houston’s – “great ribs!”
Greatest Achievement: Winning a Gold Medal at the Olympics and Making it to the NHL; the best league in the world
Biggest Disappointment: “There’s a few…”


Taken from http://www.henrik-lundqvist.com

Henrik's Pre-Game Rituals


PRE-GAME RITUALS

9:30 AM Get up; Drive to the Rink; Have Breakfast with the team
Breakfast: Oatmeal with milk and strawberry jam, 1 or 2 pieces of white toast
11:00 AM 25 Minute warm-up; Talk to the Media; Shower; Eat Lunch at the Rink
Lunch: Pasta with meat sauce
12:30 PM Drive home; Nap for 2 hours
3:30 PM Get up; Eat some oatmeal; Get dressed; take a cab to the Garden
5:00 PM Arrive at the Garden.
5:50 PM Start getting dressed.
6:20 PM Ready for warm-ups
7:00 PM Game Time
11:00 PM Sitting in a cab on my way to a restaurant after a nice win at the garden!
1:00 AM Sleep

Taken from http://www.henrik-lundqvist.com