Blue Line Station
Fansided

New York Rangers: Which core members are not expendable?

By LOGAN CLEMENTS

May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) and New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) celebrate after defeating the Ottawa Senators in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) and New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) celebrate after defeating the Ottawa Senators in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
New York Rangers
Jan 22, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes the save on Detroit Red Wings left wing Thomas Vanek (62) in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Henrik Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist is the heart and soul of the New York Rangers. He has single-handedly put the Rangers on his back and carried them through the playoffs. The Rangers absolutely owe their playoff success in recent years to Lundqvist.

Lundqvist did have a rocky 2016-17 season, which was his worst statistical season. And he is signed to an $8.5 million contract. But it should be noted that the Rangers’ defense has been a mess for the past two seasons.

Regardless, the Rangers are much better off with Lundqvist in net. There is a reason that he is called the King.

Looking at the chart, it is clear to see that there is no goaltender that has provided more value than Lundqvist has over the past 12 seasons. Simply, it would be hard, and maybe even impossible, for the Rangers to find a better person for the job (and no, Antti Raanta is not better than Henrik Lundqvist).

Home/Analysis