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Henrik Lundqvist on his performance and an Igor Shesterkin update

By Steve Paulus

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers leads the team out to play against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2020 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers leads the team out to play against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2020 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Michael Raffl #12 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his short-handed goal at 17:53 of the first period against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers and is joined by Derek Grant #38 at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2020 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Michael Raffl #12 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his short-handed goal at 17:53 of the first period against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers and is joined by Derek Grant #38 at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2020 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

What about the future?

Lundqvist said that he recognizes his role on the team. .  “I’m still in a very interesting spot. I’m so impressed with the guys and what they’ve done over the past few weeks….put this team in a position to maybe make the playoffs.   My role obviously changed a lot over the last couple months and there will be a time to talk about that, but right now I just try to be supportive. ”

Previously, Lundqvist had indicated that he would be willing to discuss his future with Rangers’ management.  Whether that means retirement, waiving his no movement clause or actually endorsing a buyout, no one knows, but it’s clear that the situation is wearing on him and he will look for a resolution after the season is over.

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The question remains, who will get the next start?  The defending Stanley Cup champions are coming to town and a win is essential especially after the lost weekend.   They are followed by the Metropolitan DIvision leading Washington Capitals.

As supportive as  Quinn is of Lundqvist, the undeniable fact is that in his last five periods and change, he has allowed nine goals.  Before Friday’s debacle, Alexandar Georgiev had allowed eight goals in his previous four games.

What’s most disturbing is the appearance that Lundqvist’s confidence is so fragile. When a team believes that their goalie will give them a chance to win they will play better. If they see a lack of confidence in their goalie they will try to compensate and that’s when mistakes happen.  That’s why a good start was so important against Philadelphia and it just didn’t happen.

Listen again to what Lundqvist himself said, “If you can get out of the first period and feel a bit better, it’s a different game.”

When Shesterkin is healthy enough to play, there won’t be any questions about who will be in net, but until that time, Quinn who will have to decide who gives the Rangers the best chance at winning.  On the surface choosing between Georgiev and Lundqvist looks like a tough decision, but when it comes to the team’s confidence in their goalie, it really isn’t.

Related Story. More questions after 5-3 loss. light

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