2) Henrik Lundqvist is bad
Suggesting that Henrik Lundqvist is the reason for any of the Rangers issues so far this season, and furthermore, bringing into question his ability, is ludicrous to me.
Lundqvist is just a factor in what causes goals to be scored on the ice. In Lundqvist’s first 10 appearances in net this year, his teammates barely gave him a fighting chance.
When players allow opponents to step up in holes through the neutral zone, play a halfhearted forecheck and play out of position, it is hard to live up to the expectations and stop every puck.
The heart of this issue starts with the five other players in front of Lundqvist. It seems that when Lundqvist is in the net the Rangers tend to take their foot off the gas, which leads for him to have to stand on his head because of higher shot opportunities.
The Rangers played a much more solid game in front of Ondrej Pavelec in the Rangers 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes. But to make the decision to start him against Montreal on October 28 (a game they lost late) is another sign that Alain Vigneault just doesn’t get it.
The Rangers have to do a better job in front of Lundqvist. It is a theme that runs in every story line from year to year, and it is the reason why The King has never been able to get the title he has been seeking.