Rangers Roundup: Henrik Lundqvist officially inducted in HHOF, plus latest injury news
Retired New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist had his legendary status as one of the greats officially cemented on Monday night. After a brilliant 15-year career, all with the Blueshirts, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame along with several other incredible backstops in Mike Vernon and Tom Barrasso.
Growing up in Sweden and dreaming about playing in the NHL, Henrik had posters of Patrick Roy and Dominik Hasek on his wall. Last night, it was Roy that handed him his Hockey Hall of Fame plaque.
“He was such a huge inspiration for me growing up,” Lundqvist said. “I’ll never forget this moment.”
Special Article: What is was like to cover Henrik Lundqvist up close and personal
Henrik Lundqvist enters the HHOF
Lundqvist, 41, was forced to retire after discovering a medical condition that would require open heart surgery in 2020. At the time, he was preparing to play for the Washington Capitals, who signed him after the Rangers unceremoniously bought out his contract.
The Rangers made up for that faux pas by retiring his #30 to the Madison Square Garden rafters on January 28, 2022.
Last night, Henrik made sure to thank team owner James Dolan and former GM Glen Sather for the role they played in his career. At one point, he even called the Rangers and Madison Square Garden his family.
Lundqvist continued to thank his agents and gave a special shoutout to his longtime goalie coach, Benoit Allaire. The King thanked his teammates and even apologized to them for how difficult he could be during his playing days striving to win.
“To all my former teammates just know I was even more demanding of myself,” he stated. “It was a roller coaster. I loved winning so much and losing is just the worst. It really affected me how I lived my life. But I was really lucky to play with so many great teammates.” I often think of them and how much joy they brought my life.”
Finally, Henrik choked back tears thanking his family. His mother Eva and father Peter, his sister Gabriella and twin brother Joel all played a special part in his journey. Hank then thanked his wife Terese and their beautiful daughters for always being there for him.
“Hockey was something that guided me through life, gave me purpose,” Lundqvist concluded. “I feel so lucky that I found something so strong and passion, so much passion for something at such an early age, and it’s given me so much, more than I could ever imagine.”
Lundqvist ended his NHL career with a record of 459-310-96, a .916 SV% and a GAA of 2.43 with 64 shutouts. Simply remarkable numbers. He will forever be remembered for carrying the Rangers on numerous occasions, in particular the 2014 Stanley Cup run that fell short.
Here’s a list of Rangers records Lundqvist holds:
- Most game played 887
- Most wins 459
- Best GAA (min 325 starts) 2.43
- Best SV% (min 100 starts) .918
- Shutouts 64
- Most points 27
- Playoff games 130
- Playoff wins 61
- Most playoff shutouts 10
Rangers Injury News
Adam Fox (Lower-Body, LTIR) – On a dirty play by the Hurricanes Sebastian Aho, who stuck out his leg, Fox was played on LTIR (11/2). He won’t be eligible to return until 11/29 against the Red Wings.
Filip Chytil (Upper-Body, IR) – After taking an open ice hit against Carolina (11/2), Chytil has yet to skate. He was eligible to come off IR on Sunday against the Blue Jackets. The Rangers next game will be Saturday against the Devils. Chytil is unlikely to play unless he practices before that time.
Ryan Lindgren (Upper-Body, day-to-day) – Coach Peter Laviolette said that the defenseman was out on Monday for a maintenance day, but will be reevaluated on Wednesday after taking a high hit into the boards in Sunday’s win over Columbus.
Igor Shesterkin (Lower-Body, day-to-day) – Also injured in that win over the Hurricanes, he’s been slowly working his way back and hinted that he would be ready to play versus the Devils. “He’s out there without restrictions and that’s a positive sign,” the coach updated.
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