Despite falling in overtime in Friday’s game two matchup, Henrik Lundqvist has been on another planet. The New York Rangers have limitless potential when this is the case.
The result of the first two games wasn’t perfect, but it will certainly work. The New York Rangers won game one 2-0, but collapsed in the final minute of game two and went on to lose in overtime 4-3.
Win or loss, one thing has been consistent: Henrik Lundqvist. He has returned to the form we are used to seeing in the playoffs. Lundqvist can take over a game and maybe even a whole playoff run when he is on his game. The Rangers have been lucky to get that performance out of him thus far.
Related Story: Henrik Lundqvist Wins Goalie Battle in Game One
Game One
Lundqvist was lights out for the Rangers in game one. He posted 31 saves on 31 shots to lead the Rangers to a 2-0 victory.
In a game where the score was 1-0 up until an empty netter, Lundqvist carried the Rangers to victory. The saves he made were no easy feats either. Lundqvist was all over the net and he found ways to make saves.
Mentally, this game likely did wonders for Lundqvist. Last season was a playoff nightmare for number 30. He struggled immensely in the games he played in.
Being able to bounce back in the firs playoff game of this season was crucial. It has instilled the mindset that Lundqvist is ready to carry the team, and it carried over into game two.
Related Story: Rangers-Canadiens Thoughts from Game One
Game Two
The final score in game two didn’t finish the way the New York Rangers or Lundqvist wanted it to. The Rangers fell 4-3 late in the first overtime after allowing a late goal in the third period to tie the game.
It sounds like Lundqvist can be blamed for the loss since the Canadiens scored four times. However, that is not even remotely the case.
The first goal allowed came when Lundqvist didn’t have a stick. The defense couldn’t hear him when Lundqvist was yelling for a stick, and that cost the team a goal. The second goal beat Lundqvist through a shield. The third goal was Nick Holden’s fault for losing his stick and dropping to his knees in front of the goal. And the final goal came in a messy scrum in front of the net.
Oh, and did I mention Henrik made 54 saves.
You could argue that out of the 58 shots on goal Friday night, only the second goal truly beat Lundqvist. The other three came under circumstances where all goalies would struggle.
Related Story: Game Two Thoughts: Opportunity Wasted for the Rangers
Going Forward
The rest of the Rangers will come around if Lundqvist continues his stellar play. It’s difficult to lose a seven game series when you have a goalie who is playing this well.
Lundqvist has been known to carry the Rangers through the playoffs before. The Rangers not getting Lundqvist help has been a popular headline among the past seven years.
This Rangers team has looked like one of the better teams in recent years. It could get very interesting if Lundqvist plays like he has throughout his whole career. He certainly seems to be heading down that path.
Next: Alain Vigneault Losses Game Two For the Rangers
Looking forward the Rangers are coming home on Sunday for game three and will look to get the wheels back on track. Splitting the road set has given the Rangers and Lundqvist home ice advantage. Just win your home games, and you’re moving on.