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New York Rangers Would be Wise to Rest Lundqvist Before Playoffs

By Alexandra Russo

Nov 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a glove save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The rangers won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a glove save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The rangers won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers go back a long way. Lundqvist has carried the team on his shoulders with his spectacular play. For this reason, the Rangers have been able to make long playoff runs the past number of seasons. However, the team has to realize that Lundqvist needs a break in order to perform to the best of his ability.

For a small stretch this season, critics said that Lundqvist was past his prime and couldn’t compete at the level he used to. In the past number of weeks, Lundqvist has done nothing but prove them wrong. He is the New York Rangers’ best player many nights.

He helped his team to a five-game winning streak in February and keeps them alive in the insanely challenging Metropolitan Division. Lundqvist also reached the 400 win mark earlier in February.

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To this point in the season (as of March 9th), Lundqvist has played in 51 of the Rangers’ 68 games this season. That leaves only seven games for Antti Raanta.

In past seasons, the Rangers have been accused of “losing gas” when it comes time for the playoffs. This is because their most important players log many minutes per night. However, sometimes what is forgotten is that the goaltender, too, can get tired logging all those minutes.

Perhaps the Rangers haven’t thought about that. Though, if they want to succeed come playoff time, they must seriously consider this fact.

New York Rangers
New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

Lundqvist is one of the biggest reasons, if not the main reason, why the Rangers have a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup this season. They need to rest their most important player in order for him to not “lose gas” come playoff time.

Now, considering that there are many divisional games in the schedule, determining which games Lundqvist sits for is difficult. Luckily, there is an easy solution.

Raanta should play in the first of each of the back-to-back nights that the Rangers have coming up. That means he plays against Detroit, Florida, New Jersey, and Ottawa. Lundqvist would play against Tampa Bay, Minnesota, the Islanders, and Pittsburgh.

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This way, Raanta is able to get some nights in the action, and the Rangers aren’t guilty of overusing one of their greatest players. The Rangers must figure this out before the playoffs start because it will be key to a long run.

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