Rangers Teammates Discusses Upcoming Season From Norway

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As Henrik Lundqvist and fellow Rangers teammate Mats Zuccarello gear up for Zuccarello’s charity all-star game in his native Norway, both players spoke with Roy Kvatningen of Nitten about the upcoming season and more.

When asked about his state of mind heading into training camp, Lundqvist said that he is “pumped for a new season.” He added that he isn’t sure what the team’s goals will be coming into the season, but that he knows the group will figure it out.

During their interview, both players discuss how the, now infamous, letter affected each of them. Henrik said that it was not an easy thing for him to hear. “It was pretty tough, to be honest when we decided to rebuild instead of trying to go for it. It was a tough end to the season. The first half felt good, but there were a few months where I had to work on the mental challenge of adjusting to the new situation.”

Zuccarello added a similar sentiment to that of his longtime goaltender: “When you get such a letter, it’s clear that you get frustrated and want to go away.” However, those frustrations that Zuccarello is alluding to aren’t taking away from his excitement and willingness to stay with the Rangers. “Of course, I want to be here. I feel I can be a good player and a good teammate if they are going to rebuild. Whether it takes one, two or three years, I feel I can be a good player to have in that process.”

Lundqvist was asked about his impressions of new head coach David Quinn and he had very positive things to say about the first encounter with his new bench boss. “I got a very positive first impression. It was a really good talk. We spoke about the future, about what’s been going on, and I got a good feel for what kind of person the new coach is. Of course, it will be easier to get to know him once the pre-season starts, but it was a very positive meeting.”

Note: For Zuccarello’s comments on David Quinn, click here.

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Lundqvist has repeatedly stated his commitment to finishing out his career with the Rangers, which we have covered here on Forever Blueshirts, and he reaffirmed that statement when speaking to Nitten. “Yeah, I made that decision when I signed my contract four years ago, If I get the opportunity, I’d love to play my whole career with one club. My goal is to finish my career with the Rangers. Few players ever get that opportunity. The question is, of course, if that feeling is mutual. But I really, really enjoy being a Ranger. This club has treated me exceptionally well.”

Finally, Lundqvist talked about all of the young guys coming into the locker room and how the veterans can help bring the team together. “I hope we can set a standard where the young players know what’s expected of them. It’s important to implement this at the beginning of the season. Mats Zuccarello and I have been here a long time and will be an important part of this club for a long time, and we’ll be an important part of the mix between younger and older players.”

Lundqvist and Zuccarello are both excited as we inch closer and closer towards training camp and the start of the 2018-19 season. As this is being written, both players are focused on raising money for children around the globe at the Henke & Zucca Summer Classic taking place on Saturday, along with former Rangers Derick Brassard, Carl Hagelin, Antti Raanta, Ryan McDonagh, and Artem Anisimov.

Editor’s Note: All translations courtesy of article’s author Roy Kvatningen. If you can read Norwegian, you can read the original article here.

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