New York Rangers: 5 Reasons not to Worry About Playoff Henrik Lundqvist

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Feb 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save during the third period against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs fast approaching, the New York Rangers have a lot on their plate. However, one of the things, or players, they shouldn’t be concerned about is the man in net, Henrik Lundqvist. He has proven time and time again that he is sold and reliable in every situation. Here are five reasons why no one should be concerned about Lundqvist:

Every player has “off nights,” but if consistency is truly the key, then the New York Rangers have nothing to fear with Lundqvist. This is a player who has spent his entire career with this team. He gives his heart and soul every night, and there’s no reason for that to stop now.

Perhaps the last thing the Rangers should be concerned about is Lundqvist. However, for the skeptics in the crowd, these are the top five reasons Lundqvist is the least of the team’s concerns:

Feb 2, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

5.) Ability to Shake off Rust from Recent Injury

Lundqvist recently suffered a lower-body injury, specifically his hip. This kept him out of game action for two weeks, and he returned Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Although the team lost 6-3, Lundqvist gave up five goals, and the Rangers had played the night before. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 5-4 in overtime on Tuesday, but Lundqvist still helped the team clinch a playoff berth that night.

In the games coming up, he will have the chance to get back to his usual style of play. This rebounding will be important for the playoffs, and it will certainly happen soon.

Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers goalie Antti Raanta (32) and goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) celebrate the win over the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports. /

4.) Raanta Provided Sufficient Rest

One of the Rangers’ biggest assets in the 2014-2015 season was Cam Talbot, their backup. He came up big for the team when Lundqvist suffered an injury (puck to the neck) that kept him out for over two months. The Rangers went on to the Eastern Conference Finals that season.

That serves to prove the point that backups are extremely important. Although they don’t get much say in what nights they play and how often, when they are called to action, they must perform. Limited chances only furthers the competition level, and Raanta has done exactly that.

He has appeared in 30 games this season, winning 16, losing 8, and losing 2 in overtime. He has helped Lundqvist rest enough to be ready for a long playoff run.

Nov 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) celebrates with New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) and New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) after defeating the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports. /

3.) Healthy Defense Provides Relief

For a stretch, the New York Rangers suffered quite a few injuries on the back end. Dan Girardi had an ankle problem, and Kevin Klein had back spasms. Each player was out for a sufficient amount of time.

At some point, even Marc Staal was out with post-concussion syndrome. That was early in January, but it goes to show that a large amount of the season wasn’t played at 100% health.

Now that the defense is healthy, the shot attempts on Lundqvist should be less. Also, the playoffs have a reputation for being more on the low-scoring side. This is because teams tend to play tighter defensive games, which should help in and of itself.

Feb 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A fan holds up a sign in honor of the 400th NHL win by New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (not pictured) against the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

2.) Resilient Mental Attitude

Sometime around December to January, critics were harsh on Lundqvist’s play. His GAA and SV%% weren’t where they should have been. Some of the goals he was letting up would take a toll on his mental focus and energy.

However, he rebounded just as fast as he had fallen into that short slump. He stormed back with five consecutive wins in February, including a huge mark in his NHL career. He reached the 400 wins mark in a 4-2 defeat of the Colorado Avalanche.

His resilient mental attitude shined through in those wins. This is extremely vital to his game, and it will continue to be a big factor come playoff time.

Jan 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports. /

1.) Playoff Experience

The biggest factor is by far the fact that Lundqvist has a lot of playoff experience with his team on a current 8 season playoff streak. It’s the third longest in the NHL to this point.

He has been to Eastern Conference Finals and one Stanley Cup Final, not to mention all the game 7s. Lundqvist’s experience under pressure is a great asset to possess.

Next: New York Rangers: Five Must-Know 2016-17 Statistics

There is absolutely no reason to fear about Lundqvist’s ability to be the backbone of the New York Rangers during the playoffs. He is skilled, poised under pressure, and most importantly, experienced in the playoffs.

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