Report: Outpouring of love for Henrik Lundqvist from the hockey world, Rangers reached out to him personally to wish him well

Henrik Lundqvist announced he will miss the 2020-21 season due to a heart condition. The focus for him is to take the appropriate precautions with COVID-19 still in the air, and the corrective steps to get better.

We pray and wish him well.

Henrik Lundqvist news met with love and affection

Soon after the news hit, the hockey world sent out their thoughts. “Heartbreaking and emotional,” Capitals owner Ted Leonis said in a statement. I am only concerned and thinking about Henrik Lundqvist as a person and for his family’s wellbeing. We pray for his good health. We and the entire NHL family support the King. The video moved me to tears.”

Henrik Lundqvist
Henrik Lundqvist (Getty Images)

Gary Bettman sent a positive note that read in part; “Henrik is a beloved player across the NHL and throughout his native Sweden and a wonderful ambassador for the game. We wish him and his family well.”

This was followed some time later by the New York Rangers who wrote:

“We have no doubt that Henrik Lundqvist will face this challenge with the same fierce determination and grace that made him one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game of hockey, and an inspiration to all of us. He and his family are in our thoughts during this difficult time. He will always be a part of the New York Rangers family.”

Players both past and present issued statements to express well wishes. Current NY Rangers defenseman, Tony DeAngelo said, “was hoping to see Hank have a good year. Hope everything turns out ok and he is back again.”

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin echoed similar thoughts. “100 percent health is most important Hank ! My family wish the best for you and hope to see you soon!!!”

Some fans not satisfied with Rangers time to comment

I am not sure what this says about society or social media in general, but there’s enough people that actually keep track of when statements are released. Apparently some in the Rangersphere believed they should have issued a statement almost as soon as the Capitals did.

That is beyond ludicrous, considering the Caps knew beforehand that Lundqvist would be making the announcement. It was Washington team doctor’s that were involved in the tests for weeks. They already had inside knowledge.

Of course, no one seems to stop and think these days. It’s almost as if immediate satisfaction takes precedent over critical thinking. I spoke with a team source last night about the Henrik news. I was told that not long after the announcement, the Rangers were on the phone with him to check and see how he and his family were doing.

The speed to which a public statement is made is not as important as what goes on personally between the people involved. This was also reminiscent to the criticism the Rangers received during the K’Andre Miller racial incident on Zoom.

While some of the same people were losing their minds as to when the Rangers would make a statement, they were handling business internally. Not only were they consoling K’Andre but all their staff members who were facilitating the call. Some of those young staffers were in tears, but still the Rangers weren’t fast enough of the draw on Twitter for some people’s liking.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at ... More about Anthony Scultore
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