HENRIK LUNDQVIST
How come there hasn’t been more attention or dialogue devoted to Henrik Lundqvist?
The sartorially splendid Swede–predictably monikered ‘Hank’ by his North American family–recently retired from hockey.
No small deal.
And not just because he played in the world’s avowed mecca–according to those who live there and profess to know–New York.
He was a very, very good goaltender.
Then there was the time he tried to score a goal, early in his Rangers NHL career.
Somehow, he lived to tell the story.
“This was my first or second year,” he sheepishly volunteered.
“It was early in my career. We were up 3–1 and I missed it, and then they came down and scored on me to make it 3–2.
And then they came right back down and had a great scoring chance that I just managed to save, so we win the game.
And then in the locker room, [Jaromir] Jagr walks up to me and says, ‘Unless your [sic]an MVP in this league, don’t fucking ever do that again.’
You know what? I didn’t.”
All the seasons, all the games, all the victories, all the highs and all of the crushing lows that dotted his storied career during one of the great eras in Ranger franchise history, were memorialized Friday night January 28, when Lundqvist’s №30 was raised to the pinwheel ceiling of Madison Square Garden, which for 15 years served as the backdrop to the goaltender’s greatness.
“The King” has taken his throne in the rafters of MSG.
The European-born goalie with the most NHL wins, Lundqvist was ordained “King Henrik,” by the New York media and Ranger fans, stemming from his dominating play, beginning in his rookie season.
The Swedish goaltender spent his entire 15-year playing career with the Rangers after being chosen in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL draft, amassing a record of 459–310–96 with a 2.43 goals-against average and a .918 save-percentage.
Following the 2019-’20 campaign, New York bought out the final year of his contract, and he signed with the Washington Capitals for the ensuing Covid-shortened season.
He would never play for them.
Lundqvist had a serious heart problem–a leaky aortic valve.
He chose to have the faulty valve replaced by one made of cow tissue–instead of opting for a mechanical valve–to avoid a blood-thinner regimen, which could have delayed or even thwarted any comeback attempt.
Three days before he was due to rejoin the Caps, he contracted pericarditis, an infection, which presents as a swelling and an irritation of the thin, saclike membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium).
Though pericarditis is usually mild and goes away without treatment, it often causes sharp chest pain.
And it takes a long while to get over.
The handwriting was on the wall…every wall.
The pain combined with the prognosis, sealed the retirement deal.
Up went the jersey and banner, bearing his #30 and hallowed name.
Accompanied by ear-splitting ovations and raucous chanting and cheers of “Hen-rik, Hen-rik!”
“When I look back at my 15 years here, what gives me the most satisfaction–it’s not the wins or the personal recognition–but it’s really the commitment,” he began.
“The commitment I felt to the New York Rangers and the commitment they showed me for so long.”
Lundqvist became the third Rangers goalie to have his jersey retired, following Eddie Giacomin (#1) and Mike Richter (#35).
Brian Leetch (#2), Harry Howell (#3), Rod Gilbert (#7), Andy Bathgate (#9), Adam Graves (#9), Vic Hadfield (#11), Mark Messier (#11) and Jean Ratelle (#19) have been similarly honored.
Interesting that Brad Park (#2) is conspicuous by his absence.
Another story for another day.
Lundqvist appeared in five All-Star games and ranks sixth in NHL history in wins.
[Brodeur-691; Roy-551; Marc-Andre Fleury-508 (still active); Luongo-489; Belfour-484]
His franchise records include wins (459); playoff wins (61); shutouts (64); and games played (887).
Perhaps the highest compliment “The King” could have received came from current Rangers GM and President Chris Drury, a former teammate and no stranger to athletic success and excellence himself.
“I can honestly say knowing Hank and playing with Hank that he’s given me the easiest answer I’ll ever have,” he said.
“We want to be like Hank.
His desire, his determination, his will to win.
His commitment to the community and the city.
He is the gold standard of what a New York Ranger is and what a New York Ranger should be for this generation of players.”
High praise from the most credible of sources.
“Hank” is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.
First ballot.
Even without a Stanley Cup.
Class and professionalism.
And nobody, but nobody, wore a finely cut and tailored suit, better.
Trust me.
Not too shabby for a seventh-round selection in the 2000 NHL Draft.
Long live The King.
[Editor’s Note: This piece was written by Mr. Kaplan in February 2022.]
