http://insidehockey.com/?p=7909
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
More Pictures of Henrik & his Tour Bus!
All of the above photos can be found on the official website of the New York Rangers
Lundqvist bus opens doors to fans
Rangers goaltender recognized in Gray Line New York's "Ride of Fame"
Baseball's Reggie Jackson was famous for saying that if he ever played in New York, someone would name a candy bar after him.
On Tuesday, hockey's Henrik Lundqvist put the old Reggie Bar to shame, as the Rangers' All-Star netminder's accomplishments were recognized with something much, much bigger -- a double-decker Gray Line sight-seeing bus.
Lundqvist joined a group of Rangers fans that included winners of an online sweepstakes Tuesday afternoon to help Gray Line unveil its new Lundqvist bus -- part of the company's "Ride of Fame" campaign that honors New York celebrities.
The Rangers goalie was welcomed to the ranks of fellow New Yorkers Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump, and Rachael Ray, as he watched a red curtain come off the front of the bus to reveal three images of himself that will give the Blueshirts an even greater presence throughout the city this season.
Asked if he ever thought he might one day have a bus named after him when he arrived at his first Rangers training camp five years ago, Lundqvist chuckled.
"It (being on a bus) wasn't my main goal when first I moved to New York, but it's definitely a great honor," he said.
Lundqvist was particularly pleased to be part of the "Ride of Fame" because of Gray Line's ongoing work with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which helps kids in crisis. Throughout each year, youngsters from Garden of Dreams' partner charities get a chance to tour the city with various athletes and celebrities. Lundqvist is the official spokesman for Garden of Dreams.
After the unveiling, Lundqvist boarded his bus along with several fans. Winners of a Rangers online sweepstakes were among those who got a chance to meet Lundqvist and receive his autograph during the bus' inaugural lap around The Garden. The winners gained their seats by entering the sweepstakes via Twitter, Facebook, the Rangers Mobile Club, and newyorkrangers.com.
"I was super-pumped and excited when I found out I won. It's a huge honor," said Jon Stillwell, a Minnesota native who recently moved to New York. "I grew up with hockey, so to be able to meet someone like Henrik Lundqvist is a complete honor. He's one of my favorite players of all-time. Growing up, you idolize people like Henrik. It's awesome what they're doing for him."
Stillwell, who entered the sweepstakes via Twitter, said he was completely surprised to be chosen for the bus ride -- a sentiment echoed by lifelong Rangers fan Gene Golebiewski, who has been a Season Subscriber for the past 19 years.
"It (winning) was very much a surprise," said Golebiewski. "Not in a million years did I think I would be on a bus with Henrik Lundqvist. I'm big on defense, and I kind of steer toward watching the defense and goalies, and he is a great goalie."
Perhaps the happiest person on the bus was Danny Levarco, a young Rangers fan celebrating his birthday on Tuesday. Levarco, who has followed the Blueshirts since the 1993-94 championship season, had entered the sweepstakes on Twitter.
"It's the best feeling ever to be able to meet Henrik Lundqvist, one of my favorite Rangers of all time," said Levarco. "It was an honor to wake up and have a message in my in-box saying 'Come hang out with Henrik.'"
http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=536689&navid=DL|NYR|home
Lundqvist says fewer starts will mean more wins
Picture courtesy of the Rangers Twitter account
By Dan Rosen - NHL.com Staff Writer
NEW YORK -- Despite starting 72 games last season, mostly without a safety net since the Rangers didn't have a real suitable backup for him, Henrik Lundqvist said he didn't feel a twinge of exhaustion as he packed up for the long summer following Game No. 82 of the regular season.
Was his pride crushed? Yes. Was he angry? Of course. But, Lundqvist felt strong and was ready to continue on into the spring if he and the Rangers had just won that last-day shootout in Philadelphia.
But looking back on his 2009-10 season, and particularly his workload, Lundqvist admitted Tuesday in an interview with NHL.com that starting 72 regular-season games nowadays is not smart if you want to keep up your hopes of playing into June.
The last goalie to start 70-plus regular-season games and then play into June was Martin Brodeur in 2003 when he started 73 before leading the Devils to the Stanley Cup. The highest number of starts for a Cup Final goalie since was the 61 made by Marc-Andre Fleury in 2008-09.
That's why Lundqvist is so excited to head to camp with Martin Biron as his backup. Biron can spell Lundqvist for 20 or so starts and the drop-off won't be as significant as it was last season when Steve Valiquette, Alex Auld, Matt Zaba and Chad Johnson combined for just 10 starts.
"For a regular season, I think, no, (72 starts) is not too much. But our goal should be and has to be to play in June, so (signing Biron) is just another step in that direction," Lundqvist, who won 35 of those starts, told NHL.com. "Let's look forward here, move forward and see what we can do this year."
Lundqvist was in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday being honored as the newest celebrity inducted into Gray Line New York's "Ride of Fame" campaign. He was on hand for a ceremony to reveal and ride on the tour bus that is personalized in his honor.
Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump and Rachael Ray are the other celebrities with Gray Line buses named for them, but they didn't have to listen to fans on the street in front of Madison Square Garden ordering them to "Bring us the Cup."
Lundqvist and the Rangers fell way short of that goal last season, when they were knocked out of the playoff race on the final day of the regular season. The sting hasn't faded with time.
"It hits you once in a while, but at the same time it's hard to get disappointed or mad for losing the last game," Lundqvist said. "That's not where we lost the season. We went on a great run the last 12 games, but we just put ourselves in a really bad spot going into the last 15 games."
The Rangers have made changes since, adding Alexander Frolov, Derek Boogaard, Todd White and most recently Tim Kennedy to their fleet of forwards. But the move that most affects Lundqvist is the acquisition of Biron.
Of course, it's ridiculous to think the main reason the Rangers didn't make the playoffs last season was because they had a revolving door of backup goalies. But those four backups combined for just three wins -- one more would have put New York in the playoffs.
Lundqvist had everything fall onto his shoulders. With Biron that shouldn't be the case.
"When I'm not playing, we have a great goalie to step in and it's going to push me to play even better because if I'm not playing well enough he will take my job," Lundqvist said.
For now, Lundqvist is focused on getting an early start. He is already skating with some of his teammates at the Rangers' suburban practice facility, and can sense the vibe among the guys being one of anticipation.
He's hoping everyone who was around last season remembers how hard it was to watch hockey this spring.
"I hope that is going to be the feeling starting camp, that everybody is determined to be better, to improve," Lundqvist said. "Me personally, you take it pretty hard. You're the goalie and you have a big impact if you're going to make it or not, and we didn't last year so I want to have a better year.
"I can't wait for camp to start."
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536677
Henrik & His Tour Bus!
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Henrik Lundqvist tour bus ceremony today ; but Nick from The Rangers Tribune did and he was able to get some great pictures of Henrik which he posted through his Twitter account. Here they are:
The following photo is from NY Daily News Rangers beat writer Jesse Spector's Twitter account:
Photo from Jesse Spector's Blueshirts Blog:
I will have more photos and news as it comes in...
The following photo is from NY Daily News Rangers beat writer Jesse Spector's Twitter account:
Photo from Jesse Spector's Blueshirts Blog:
I will have more photos and news as it comes in...
Monday, August 30, 2010
Henrik Lundqvist at The Palm in Tribeca...Well, Sort of
Since we will be celebrating Henrik having his likeness on the front of a NYC tour bus tomorrow, I thought I would post a picture of his likeness that I found somewhere else in NYC tonight. I was out to dinner at The Palm Restaurant in Tribeca, when I was pleasantly surprised to look up at the wall and see an illustrated picture of Henrik's likeness. All Palm Restaurants put the likeness of different celebrities on their walls, but it was nice to see Henrik and some other Rangers get some kind of acknowledgment. I don't know if he's on the wall at the other NYC locations, but if you're interested in checking it out yourself he is on the wall near the bar area in The Palm Tribeca. The wall across from him features current Ranger Sean Avery and ex-Ranger Aaron Voros, along with Rangers great Adam Graves. In fact, Adam Graves autographed his likeness so we know for a fact he has eaten there. Maybe one day Henrik will make his way there to autograph his.
(Sorry if the quality of the photos aren't that great, I took them on my iPhone)
Another Chance to Meet Henrik!
From the Rangers Facebook page:
New York Rangers Win a chance to meet Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist tomorrow at 12pm. ‘Like’ this post if you would like to meet Henrik & tour NYC on a Grayline double-decker bus. Post a comment telling us why you should win a pair of seats on the bus for you and a friend. Click on “Suggest To Friends” on the left side of our page and recruit your friends to participate for more chances to win! Deadline to submit 6pm today.
From the Rangers Twitter account:
Use #MEETHANK for chance to meet Henrik Lundqvist at noon tomorrow & win 2 seats on @GrayLineNewYork bus tour. Deadline to submit 6pm today
NEW YORK RANGERS GOALTENDER HENRIK LUNDQVIST HONORED IN GRAY LINE NEW YORK’S “RIDE OF FAME” CAMPAIGN
On Tuesday August 31st, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will join the ranks of Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump and Rachael Ray as the latest celebrity inducted into Gray Line New York’s “Ride of Fame” campaign which honors exemplary New Yorkers by bestowing a bus in their fleet. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil Lundqvist’s personalized Gray Line New York bus will take place on 7th Avenue in front of Madison Square Garden at 12:00 p.m. Immediately following the ceremony, Henrik will board his very own bus to take the inaugural ride with 50 lucky fans.
“I’d like to thank Gray Line New York for their support of the Rangers and particularly their continued support of the Garden of Dreams Foundation,” says Lundqvist. “The kids always look forward to the tours of the city, sitting on the upper deck. Being able to now do them on a bus featuring myself and the Rangers is a great honor.”
After the event, the official Henrik Lundqvist bus will enter into Gray Line New York’s regular rotation, becoming a mobile monument, granting millions of sightseers the opportunity to “ride” along with him each day.
Check out the Rangers website for more info and to fill out an online form for yet another chance to win!
http://rangers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=64014&navid=DL|NYR|home
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Want to Ride Around a NYC Tour Bus With Henrik on August 31st?
Our next "Ride of Fame" inductee is New York Ranger's starting goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist. On August 31, at 12:30 pm, Henrik will be the fourth inductee to be honored by Gray Line New York, for his exemplary representation of New York City. Henrik is an Olympic gold medalist and the spokesperson for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Since its inception in 2006, the Garden of Dreams Foundation has created once in a lifetime experiences at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the MSG Training Center, Fuse and the Beacon Theatre for more than 134,000 tri-state area children in crisis.
This opportunity sounds amazing, hurry up and tweet to CityExpertsNY or GrayLineNewYork!
First 20 to RT get on the tour bus with #NYRangers Henrik Lundqvist, August 31st @ 12pm in
#NYC #nyr #NHL http://ow.ly/2vmD0
For more info:
Ride of Fame is a series of mobile monuments celebrating the endeavors of exemplary New Yorkers. An "exemplary New Yorker" is a public figure who has represented New York positively in all of his or her endeavors and has proven why New York is the best city in the United States. Each exemplary New Yorker will be presented with his / her own unique decal permanently applied to one iconic, red Gray Line New York double decker bus at ribbon-cutting ceremony. Millions of sightseers will be able to "ride" the honoree's bus each day from that moment forward. Hollywood has its "Walk of Fame"; welcome to New York City's "Ride of Fame".
http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/page.php?id=148
Congratulations to Henrik, he certainly deserves this honor, as we all know how much he loves New York. If I ever see his bus around the city, I will definitely take some pictures and post them.
UPDATE: The ribbon-cutting ceremony that Henrik will be taking place in before the bus ride will be held outside Madison Square Garden at 12 PM, so even if you didn't win a chance to ride the bus with him you can still go and watch the ceremony. If any readers out there are attending the bus ride , or just watching the ceremony and you have pictures, feel free to send them to me and I will post them here for you.
Win an Autographed Henrik Lundqvist Stick
From the Rangers Facebook account:
New York Rangers Are you a Rangers expert? Want to win a Henrik Lundqvist signed stick? Play NYR trivia & prove it! Text PLAY to 726437 on your mobile phone for this week's questions. We’re giving out great NYR prizes each week with one monthly grand prize, each correct answer enters you to win. Weekly winners receive a Rangers gift bag. Each month one lucky winner will be selected – September's lucky winner will receive a Henrik Lundqvist autographed stick. Visit newyorkrangers.com for more info
Good luck!
Translation of Swedish Interview; Henrik to Return to New York This Saturday
The following is a translation of the Swedish video interview Henrik gave the other day, which you can find in the prior post.
maxie said...
It starts by telling that Lundqvist is going back to NYC on Saturday 28th.
"When you land and you're on the way into the city, a lot of memories comes to life. You start to get that hungry feeling again. When I came back for my forth year in the city I felt that New York is my home."
"During the summer you feel relaxed and when the season starts you get the feeling that you have to perform all the time, and for me that's the toughest part of it all, you're allways expected to perform. When it's going good, life's great, but it's when it's going bad you feel that you have to perform better, both from the surroundings and yourself."
"I get very disappointed if I'm not playing well and we loose. That reflects my life, I have trouble enjoying things when we lose. That's something I can get better at but at the same time it's what got me where I am today. I'm pretty intense when it comes to my athletic life."
After 73 games last year and his worn out body:
"It sounds like I'm a senior citizen, haha. No, but I had trouble with my knee, along with my groins.
That's the reason why I didn't participate in the World Cup. But I took a cortisone injection a couple of weeks ago, and now it feels good again."
His thoughts on, maybe, never winning the Stanley Cup in New York:
"That's whats keep me going, to win the Cup with New York. The teams are so even nowadays and I love it in New York, so I wanna be in this organization when we win the cup. That's my big goal before I retire."
"What I love about New York is the mix - culture, people, style. You're always accepted. The biggest danger is that when people tell you you're doing good and you start to relax and feel satisfied, people will run past you. It's good to have a twin brother who puts you down to earth and a girlfriend who's you biggest fan and biggest critic at the same time."
A very big thank you goes out to Maxie!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Henrik Lundqvist SVT Sport Swedish Video Interview
I would really appreciate it if a Swedish speaking reader out there could translate the interview for the rest of us. Thank you in advance.
Win an Autographed Henrik Lundqvist Photo Card
Are you a fan of the New York Rangers on Facebook? Well, you should be. Right now they are currently running a contest in which you can win an autographed Henrik Lundqvist photo card.
Check it out: www.facebook.com/nyrangers
New York Rangers Henrik Lundqvist appeared in the September issue of Vogue Magazine, have you seen it? 'Like' this for your chance to win a Lundqvist signed photo card
Hurry up and "like" it for a chance to win, good luck!
and have you wondered what former Vogue Magazine intern Sean Avery thinks about Henrik being in this months issue?
Check out his blog for his reaction:
http://www.seanavery.com/blog#look-at-that
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Lundqvist Got Unexpected Support in Training
Kenny All Stars began the build up to the century game on Friday night.
Lagfotografering and one hour training session before more than 1,000 people.
Then beat Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist special support in the form of Alan Lefkowitz, season ticket holders down at the glass behind the cage in Madison Square Garden.
One by one checked Kenny All Stars stars up in the dressing room at Lindab Arena. Memories alternated with uppsnack before the big game when the trunk were packed up.
For Peter Jackson, it was a comeback in the arena where he became historic as number one in the Elite League Table November 2008. For Henrik Lundqvist, it was a first visit to the "parent club" new abode.
After lagfotografering and portrait photography went running and training more than 1000 supporters gave the players a tribute worthy of a Champion.
Autograph hunters had traveled from Germany to follow the All Stars - Alan Lefkowitz doctor had flown all the way from New York (!) To comply with Henrik Lundqvist.
With exclusive season pass down at the glass at Madison Square Garden googled Alan this summer after news of his Swedish favorite players. Two clicks later, he was inside the hd.se and another couple so the trip was booked.
- I read about this match, Kenny and Frend, and I decided immediately to go to Sweden. I have not been in the country since the 1970s. Henrik Lundqvist is my favorite player and I bought the rink side tickets just behind the goal where he played in Madison Square Garden.
- This I did not want to miss. Getting the chance to see Henry play for his old club at home along with many other good players.
With large amounts of star quality luggage, it was Henrik Lundqvist autograph hunters flocked around after training ended.
Alan Lefkowitz took the opportunity to discuss the Rangers signings with their favorite players play on the ground in time for Lindab Arena.
- Rangers have to lift themselves in winter. Henry is fantastic, but they must reinforce the rest of the team. Right now we are not far from where the Yankees were in the 1970s, before George Steinbrenner let those who understand baseball manage the sport and become self-sufficient otherwise.
Henrik Lundqvist took place in the target closest to the restaurant at Lindab Arena and Alan took his standardpositon, just behind the glass.
- I already like this hall. It is dense jovial. It will be fun to see the game tomorrow when this is full, "says Alan.
Lundqvist himself noted that it retains the feeling of the venue Rögle he himself grew up with, and being given the changing rooms a big face lift.
From the training should be noted that players like Roger Elven and Kari Eloranta showed up a skating rivaling the 1990s, and Benny Johnson became the first man to put a puck in nättaket behind Henrik Lundqvist.
Add to this that Stefan "Femman" Nilsson and Håkan Persson looked like moving out of their positions back in the old days and we understand that the coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson was satisfied with the operation.
- It is good! All the players seem pretty damn excited and even guys who were not active in a few years looks to be in really good shape. We look forward to the match.
Tomorrow prefer Angelholm Arnäs Super Bowl started at lunchtime on the task bar outside the stadium. At 14:00 the gates open and the charging for the big ceremony begins in earnest.
http://www.roglebk.se/natmagasinet/visa/854_lundqvist_fick_ovantad_support_pa_traningen
Friday, August 20, 2010
Henrik on his Knee, New York, and the Upcoming Season
GOTHENBURG. A knee injury bothered Henrik Lundqvist, 28, during last year's season and prevented him from World Cup games.
Despite three months leave the pain has not yet been released.
- I took a syringe to cortisone in the knee a month ago, so now I hope that it will work, says Rangers star goalie
- You're miserable, so far, really unlucky, therefore, exclaims after Henrik Lundqvist NHL players' training in Frölundaborg.
He lifts the Frölunda hat and scratched his head.
Practiced in Frölundaborg
- And you are as surprised every year that is so bad. But, sadly, it is, "he says and laughs.
Along with ten other NHL players, he has over the past two weeks been training up in the body Frölundaborg. But it is thus some way from top form.
- For me personally, it is when I go over in a week that I start focusing on your training seriously. Now it's all about trying to get started and get a feeling, "said NHL star - who is hoping for a better season this year.
Missed playoffs
The past did not stop at all as he had hoped. New York Rangers missed the playoffs, and Henrik Lundqvist was forced to decline the World Cup games because of his knee injury. The pain has been in, but after the last steroid syringe, it feels pretty good, "he says.
- There have been some flaws, but it is to be hoped that it is now.
Although the knee has continued to interfere with, the "Henke" had a wonderful holiday. The first two months he spent in New York. Since then he has flange around a bit "but mostly been to Gothenburg.
Want to go over
- It's been a good summer, it just goes fast, "he said and was silent a few seconds.
- But now I'm tempted to go over again. It is good to be home, but I like it over there.
Henrik Lundqvist still calls home to Gothenburg, but says he is becoming more familiar in New York.
- I am very happy. I'm starting to build the social, there is much to be done so you can relax between matches, and it's easy for friends to come over and visit too, "he says.
As autumn begins Henrik Lundqvist his sixth season with the Rangers. So far the team has not gone beyond the second round of the playoffs during his time in the club. He makes no secret of the fact that he is in the NHL to win the titles. But he has never thought about changing club address to more easily reach them.
Do not top team
- The challenge is to try to be about winning in New York, it would be incredibly fun. I feel absolutely no craving to change clubs, "he says.
- Sure, it has been heavy in recent years and we have not gone so far in the playoffs. But we hope to be involved in the turns.
Last year, the Rangers fought to the end of the playoff spot. It will not get any difference in years, "says Henrik Lundqvist.
- I think we will lose some top teams. There will be war at the line just like last.
http://hockey.expressen.se/elitserien/1.2104697/hemma-bra-men-borta-battre
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Henrik Lundqvist Bauer Hockey Q & A (Plus Henrik in his new pads)
What is your favorite meal?
Right now I love the BBQ pork ribs at Houston's in NY City.
What is your favorite dessert?
"The Deal Closer" at Standard Grill in NY. Chocolate Mousse, ice cream and a brownie on the bottom.
What is your nickname?
Lundy or Hank and in Sweden it's "Henke eller lunkan".
What kind of car do you drive?
Maserati Quattroporte, Maserati GT and a Lamborghini Gallardo
Favorite band/artist?
Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Foo Fighters are some of my favorite bands.
What is your favorite movie?
Gladiator
Favorite TV Show?
House or Dexter
Favorite off ice activity?
Playing guitar
Best vacation spot?
Had a great time in Mexico.
First big purchase you made after signing your NHL contract?
A new car, a Hummer.
One thing you wish you knew how to do?
Sing
Last song you downloaded to iPod?
I always let our strength coach in NY or my girlfriend put music on my iPod. Never really download music.
Favorite cartoon character?
Peter Griffin from The Family Guy
First thing I do when I wake up in the morning...
Drink water, I always wake up thirsty.
What could you eat everyday?
Chocolate
If you weren't in the NHL, you'd be...
Back in Gothenburg, Sweden playing hockey for Frolunda.
Ultimate Red Carpet Date?
My girlfriend.
Video game you spend the most time playing?
I don't play video games
Who should play you on the big screen?
Christian Bale
How often do you go on Youtube?
Only to watch the best of Will Ferrell.
Twitter is...?
Not for me.
Facebook?
Not for me either.
Need to sell what on EBay?
A bunch of old jackets.
Number of txt's you send in a month?
No clue, 600-900 maybe?
If you were in a reality TV show what would it be called?
A Stressful Life...just kidding
If you could win any award it would be what?
Vezina Trophy
Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks?
Starbucks
Size of the biggest TV in your house?
Movie screen, might be 80", not sure.
Need to get a new what?
Set of golf clubs.
Last thing you do at night before going to bed?
Set the alarm for the morning.
Don't mess with me when I'm...?
Getting ready for a game.
What best describes your personality?
Focused, but a little lazy.
What are you superstitious about?
How I prepare for a game.
Best song for karaoke?
I never sing karaoke.
Worst vacation spot?
Been lucky so far, no bad ones yet.
Best road town in the NHL?
LA and Chicago
Room Service you always order?
Club Sandwich
Favorite restaurant?
Can't pick one right now...just so many.
Who do people say you look like?
My twin brother, Joel.
http://www.bauer.com/blog/index.cfm/2010/8/18/Lundqvist-Q--A
Henrik Lundqvist Swedish Radio Video Interview 8/18/10
Credit for link and picture goes to Bitter Blondin:
http://bitterblondin.se/2010/08/18/henrik-lundqvist-pa-rivstart-och-i-vogue/
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Henrik in the September Issue of Vogue Magazine
According to the official New York Rangers Twitter account, Henrik is in the September issue of Vogue Magazine. I'll have more info when it becomes available...
(I wonder why Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are in the same photo spread?)
UPDATE: This issue goes on sale August 20th
