The Henrik Lundqvist Blog

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Lundqvist Pulled as Rangers Lose Fourth in a Row

NEWARK — As soon as he plopped on a stool at the end of the Rangers’ bench, done for the night even though it was only the second period, Henrik Lundqvist had a towel draped over his shoulder by an equipment manager. Uncharacteristically, Lundqvist angrily flung it off.

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Lundqvist, a goaltender who needs to continue to play well if the scoring-challenged Rangers want to grind their way into the Stanley Cup playoffs, was not so stout Wednesday, giving up five goals on 17 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Devils at Prudential Center.

“I just felt, you know, it was a tough night,” Lundqvist said. “I don’t think I should analyze it too much. Just move on.”

A victory would have inched the Rangers (29-29-9) within a point of the idle Boston Bruins, who are in eighth place in the sluggish Eastern Conference. But the Rangers lost their fourth game in a row, and the Bruins have two games in hand.

Rangers Coach John Tortorella pulled Lundqvist at 15 minutes 19 seconds after he gave up a goal on a wrist shot by left wing Brian Rolston that dribbled into the net. Right wing Jamie Langenbrunner had tipped a shot past Lundqvist at 13:06, breaking a 3-3 tie.

But Lundqvist did not get much help before he was replaced in a game for the first time since Jan. 23. Langenbrunner was alone in front of Lundqvist. Rolston’s goal followed a Rangers turnover and a four-on-one Devils rush.

“It’s been this way throughout most of the year,” Tortorella said. “It’s been the inconsistency.”

The Devils’ fans in the sellout crowd of 17,625 began taunting Lundqvist after he gave up a rebound goal to Rob Niedermayer 4:16 into the game. But the lead, and the chant, lasted for 57 seconds because Vinny Prospal scored for the Rangers.

The Rangers fell behind again at 18:17 because they could not clear the puck from their zone. A shot by Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador from the right point appeared to deflect off Olli Jokinen’s skate in the slot and scooted past Lundqvist for Salvador’s fourth goal of the season.

“I thought we played with more intensity,” Devils Coach Jacques Lemaire said. “We showed we really wanted to win tonight more than I’ve seen lately.”

Less than four minutes after Brodeur stole a goal from Jokinen by tipping away his shot with the tip of his stick, Erik Christensen tied the score at 2-2 in the second period for the Rangers.

Zach Parise whacked in his 31st goal on a power play to put the Devils ahead, 3-2, but Brandon Prust tied the game again 37 seconds later.

Then the bottom fell out for Lundqvist and the Rangers, who had a measly 19 shots on goal. After Alex Auld entered the game, Lundqvist tilted back his mask, shaking his head. Chris Drury, the Rangers’ captain, smashed his stick on the boards at the end of the second period.

“Seems like that’s how it’s been going since the break,” Drury said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/11/sports/hockey/11nhl.html?emc=tnt&tntemail1=y

Monday, March 8, 2010

What Henrik Drinks During & After Games

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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Lundqvist Brillant Glove Save vs. Malkin

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Should Henrik Lundqvist be the Rangers Captain?

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Hey, everyone. The following article was written by me for one of my classes and I decided to post it here as it is obviously about Henrik. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Oh, Captain, My Goalie?

Last night, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers played a remarkable game vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden. Although the Rangers ultimately lost the game in overtime, Lundqvist made a statement- and not just with his outstanding play.

He saved an impressive career- high 50 shots, but perhaps what was even more impressive was the leadership role he exhibited when he confronted opponent Sidney Crosby. Crosby is regarded as one of the best players in the entire league. Lundqvist felt that Crosby embellished a fall from a hit by the Rangers Marc Staal in an effort to draw a penalty. "Yeah, he went up with his arms and really played it to get the call so I told him to stand up," Lundqvist said. "I understand that the refs need to protect the star players, but I didn't think he should have used it then."

“I just thought it was a bad call, and I thought that he played it,” Lundqvist said, referring to Crosby, who scored the gold-medal-winning overtime goal for Canada against the United States on Sunday. “I told the ref he’s a great player and should be protected, but he shouldn’t use it either.”
It is a rare sight to see a goalie get involved in a play like that. Lundqvist showed who the true leader of this team really is. Sure, Chris Drury is captain of the Rangers, but Lundqvist is the one who actually deserves that honor. If fellow goaltender Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks can be the captain of his team- why can’t Lundqvist be the captain of his? In many ways, he already is.

Anyone who has followed the Rangers as the season has progressed can tell you that the team clearly lacks in the leadership department. Earlier this season, when the Rangers were going through a terrible losing streak the player who called a players only meeting before a game vs. the rival N.Y Islanders and then did most of the speaking during the meeting- was none other than Henrik Lundqvist. Not captain Chris Drury. The Rangers losing streak ended that night. Saved by Lundqvist, again.

Friday, March 5, 2010

ESPN The Magazine Interview

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OUTTAKES

Dan Patrick enters the crease with Henrik Lundqvist.

DP: The Hives or ABBA?

HL: That's a tough one. The Hives.

DP: Are you embarrassed by ABBA?

HL: No, it's good music. They've done so much for Sweden. People still talk about them.

DP: What's the difference between Swedish meatballs and Italian meatballs?

HL: I guess the Swedish ones are smaller.

DP: So are you worried, as a man, that you have to say your meatballs are smaller?

HL: I'm not sure about Italian meatballs. I just know Swedish meatballs are delicious.

DP: Better-looking women in Sweden or the United States?

HL: I have to say Sweden.

DP: Yeah, can't blame you there.

DP: Darius Kasparaitis seems nuts.

HL: He's got a nice car, though. A Bentley.

DP: Wow. I've heard that when you start a Bentley, it sounds like a rocket ship.

HL: Yeah, it's got a V-12 or something.

DP: Goofiest thing you've thought about in goal?

HL: Things I'm going to do the next day, something I'm going to buy. Like a guitar.

DP: If you could play guitar like anyone ...

HL: I always liked Slash. He's a skilled guy.

DP: Guns N' Roses, huh?

HL: My big sister listened to them when I was, like, 10 years old. I thought they were cool.

DP: So ... your wardrobe. You dress like the Beatles did in the '60s: skinny ties and tight suits.

HL: And boots. People dress differently in Europe. It's not very common here in the States.

DP: Have you ever put your gold medal in a CD player to see if it plays?

HL: No.

DP: Are you a lover or a fighter?

HL: Probably a lover. I can fight, but I have to be really mad.

DP: What if a guy shows you up? Say Ovechkin scores on you and celebrates a little too much near the net.

HL: I would probably hit him with a stick on his calf. It's easy to hurt them there.

DP: What're your thoughts on fighting other goalies?

HL: Sometimes it's better to go at a big guy. I heard Ottawa goalie Ray Emery is a fighter, so ...

DP: So you stay away from him. But Theodore, Brodeur--you could take them?

HL: We'll see.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3211061

More on Lundqvist vs. Crosby

ShareThis While attempting to circle behind the Rangers net without the puck, Crosby was cross-checked to the ice by Staal, who was headed to the penalty box for the infraction. After the whistle blew and before Crosby could get up, Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist skated over and said something to the Penguins captain, who cross-checked Lundqvist -- and that set off the fireworks.

Brandon Dubinsky jumped into the mix and nailed Crosby, and everyone on the ice piled into the scrum near the glass.

Staal received two minutes for the original cross-check, Dubinsky got two minutes for roughing, and Crosby picked up two minutes for cross-checking Lundqvist.

Lundqvist believed Crosby was embellishing the hit and milking it by staying down too long. Crosby said it was anything but a dive, and he was upset that Lundqvist left his crease to confront him about it.

"When guys talk on the ice, I'd like to leave it there," Crosby said after the Penguins earned a 5-4 victory. "I didn't like the fact that he came over. I thought that it wasn't right. I got a good cross-check in the ribs that didn't feel too good and the last thing I expected was him standing over me. I let him know how I feel. And I'm sure if he wants to tell you that's up to him, but I'd rather keep that to myself. I don't think there's any point in really starting that.

"But I was surprised and I didn't like it."

Lundqvist didn't hold back when asked if he thought Crosby took a dive.

"Yeah," said Lundqvist, who threw his arms over his head as if to give a visual example of what he was talking about. "He went up with his arms and really played it out and I told him to stand up. But he's a great player and obviously refs are going to be hard on that. And refs need to make sure star players are protected. But I don't think you should use it though."

When asked if he had seen this from Crosby in the past, Lundqvist said, "Arms up in the air? Yeah, I've seen it a bunch of times. I think I've seen it in so many games that I got a little frustrated."

It appeared on replays that the hit was plenty hard enough to knock down Crosby, who didn't seem prepared to absorb the blow. Lundqvist clearly felt otherwise.

The Penguins received a power play out of that melee, and they converted during a 5-on-3 advantage after Michal Rozsival joined Dubinsky and Staal in the penalty box.

During the third period, Lundqvist and Crosby came together after a whistle once again. Lundqvist made a catching-glove save, but Crosby took a swipe at Lundqvist as he skated past him. Lundqvist swung back, only to catch air.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=520207

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Henrik Lundqvist stops 50 shots, but Rangers fall in OT

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NEW YORK – Henrik Lundqvist proved to Sidney Crosby and the Penguins why he, too, has an Olympic gold medal. And that he won’t shy away from chippy play.

But despite his brilliant play, the Rangers still lost, 5-4, in overtime as they gave up a season high 55 shots – they were outshot 19-1 in the third period and held without a shot in overtime – and Lundqvist made a career high 50 saves. The Rangers, playing without leading scorer Marian Gaborik (groin) for the third straight game, took a season-low 16 shots.

Evgeni Malkin scored the winner at 3:42 of overtime, trickling a shot past Lundqvist, who led Sweden to the gold in 2006 and engaged in a game-long skirmish with Crosby, the Canadian hero for his overtime golden goal against Team USA this year.

The Rangers (29-27-8) had a three-winning streak snapped and lost for the fifth time in six games to the Penguins (38-22-4).

Among the better of Lundqvist’s saves came when he smothered Malkin’s deflection in the slot at 6:30 of the third period and the Rangers maintaining a one-goal lead. Midway through overtime he gloved Malkin’s blast with the Penguins on a power play and Chris Drury having lost his stick.

Alex Goligoski had tied the game at 4-4 at 11:59 of the third on a sharp-angle shot from the left that deflected in off defenseman Marc Staal’s skate.

The Rangers got their only shot in the third period by Olli Jokinen at 15:23.

It was the first game back at the Garden since the Olympics and the participants were honored during the first period, with Crosby booed loudly.

The expected animosity toward the Penguins captain only grew after an incident with Lundqvist at 4:10 of the first period. Crosby slid into the boards after contact with Staal, who was called for interference.

Lundqvist skated behind his net to say something to Crosby after the apparent dive and Crosby responded by shoving his stick into Lundqvist’s chest, drawing a cross-checking penalty and prompting Brandon Dubinsky to attack Crosby.

Their battle continued at 3:12 of the third period after Lundqvist gloved a shot. Crosby skated by the crease and tapped Lundqvist’s pads and the goalie missed a swipe at Crosby with his stick. Lundqvist also took a light swing at Crosby as he skated past the crease on an offsides at 8:12 of the third period.

The Penguins took 11 of the game’s first 13 shots but the first period ended in a 2-2 tie after Drury’s power play goal at 14:39. Drury battled for the puck at the crease after Michael Del Zotto’s shot was blocked and was able to slip a backhander past Marc-Andre Fleury’s right pad after going to his knees.

Fleury was pulled at 12:49 of the second period after allowing four goals on 12 shots. Brandon Dubinsky gave the Rangers a 4-2 lead when his power play blast from the left faceoff circle hit off the far post and rebounded in off Fleury’s back.

Mike Rupp brought the Penguins within 4-3 at 14:23 off an odd-man rush with Crosby.

Drury said before the game he wasn’t thinking much about seeing Crosby again so soon after the Olympics. But he is a strong advocate of the NHL’s continued participation in the Games.

“I don’t see how you couldn’t after that,” Drury said.

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Henrik_Lundqvist_stops_50_shots_but_Rangers_fall_in_OT.html