Experience the electric return of New York Rangers legend King Henrik Lundqvist to the ice – a triumphant comeback filled with shutouts, shootout magic, and a nostalgic roar from fans.
Henrik Lundqvist, the King, returned to the ice on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto for the Legends Classic. It felt like stepping back into a familiar and cherished chapter of New York Rangers history. It was 1,196 days, to be exact – since he last competed, and what a comeback it was. The 41-year-old Swede put on a show, delivering a 20-minute shutout and acing all six shootout attempts, a 3-0 deficit into a thrilling 4-3 victory. Hank sealed it with a Swedish stop on idol Peter Forsberg.
The King Resumes His Reign: Lundqvist’s Epic Comeback Sparks Rangers’ Glory:
This weekend has been a celebration of Lundqvist’s greatness. On Friday, he and the 2023 Hall of Fame Class, Mike Vernon, Tom Barrasso, Pierre Turgeon, Caroline Oulette, Ken Hitchcock, and the late Pierre Lacroix, received their HHOF rings. Saturday brought a fan forum flooded with fans proudly wearing Lundqvist’s Rangers jersey. And then came Sunday, Lundqvist’s triumphant return to the net, Now, it’s on to the induction ceremony on Monday.
Lundqvist, expressed his joy in being back on the ice. He even suggested possibly playing in more events like these legends, alumni, or charity games. “Getting on the ice last week for the first time since my retirement, the simplicity of it, I miss that feeling,” he shared. “It’s so much fun to compete. The one-on-one, that’s what I craved throughout my career.”
The Legends match also marked a unique reunion as Adam Graves joined, becoming the second Ranger to play alongside Lundqvist and Mike Richter. The Rangers are sending a delegation, including President and General Manager Chris Drury, and goaltending coach Benoit Allaire to Lundqvist’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction, emphasizing the importance of this moment in their team’s history. Lundqvist shared this memorable weekend with loved ones, including his wife, Therese, and their two daughters.
In a refreshing twist, fans were back in the building, and while not as raucous as Madison Square Garden, the chants of “Hen-rik! Hen-rik!” echoed in appreciation as Lundqvist left the ice. The King’s return was a royal spectacle for Rangers fans, a moment etched in everyone’s hearts.