When people think of Henrik Lundqvist, likely one of the first phrases that comes to mind is "New York Rangers legend."
Lundqvist, the legend himself, was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame on Sunday. The ceremony took place in his home country of Sweden and honored the fact that Lundqvist is one of the greatest goaltenders in National Hockey League History. In addition to being inducted now into the IIHF, he was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.
His induction to the IIHF comes after Lundqvist recorded 459 wins to his name — making him the sixth all-time amongst his peers, and the winningest among goalies born in Europe. This is also a Rangers record.
Lundqvist's thoughts on the honor
Lundqvist's legacy began in 2006, when he'd will Sweden to a gold medal at the Turin Olympics. He would then prove to be a huge it factor for Sweden down the road, as he'd help the Swedish team win a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
During end of year international competition, Lundqvist medaled three times, winning one gold and two silver medals in the IIHF World Championships. Additionally, he's won the Honken Trophy (the Swedish equivalent to the Vezina Trophy) three consecutive times from 2003-05, and a Guldpucken (Swedish equivalent to the Hart Trophy) during the 2004-05 season in which he guided Frölunda to a league title.
To be more specific — throughout three Olympic Games, Lundqvist compiled a 12-3-0 record with a .926 SV% and 1.80 GAA, along with four shutouts. In the World Championships, six of which he’s been a part of, Lundqvist managed a 22-7-2 record with a .911 SV%, a 2.19 goals against average and three shutouts.
His all-time record was 36-14-1, 2.08 GAA, and a .917 save percentage.
"Playing on the international stage was always important to me,” Lundqvist said Sunday, wearing the Tre Kronor yellow jersey during his acceptance speech. “It’s hard to describe the feeling of what it’s like to put this on. It’s pride, excitement, and that feeling never changed for the next 20 years.Henrik Lundqvist
Some of my best moments as an athlete, as a person I would say, have been wearing this jersey — winning world championships, the Olympics, such big moments."
Lundqvist joined Zdeno Chara (Slovakia), Frans Nielsen (Denmark), David Vyborny (Czechia), Kim Martin-Hasson (Sweden), Vicky Sunohara (Canada), and Kai Hietaranta ( Finland) in the IIHF Hall of Fame recent inductions.
"One day I want to play there, wear that blue and yellow jersey,” he recalled. “And the thought of playing for my country was such a big dream, the inspiration growing up that really pushed me in so many ways."Henrik Lundqvist