Fansided

Henrik Lundqvist must win Game 7, Stanley Cup

By Matt Verderame

Mar 31, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Henrik Lundqvist needs to win the Stanley Cup. First, though, he needs to win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Lundqvist, the 33-year-old New York Rangers goaltender is on the most talented team he’s ever been apart of, and likely will ever be part of. New York is coming off a Stanley Cup Finals appearance and rolled through the regular season, earning the President’s Trophy as the National Hockey League’s best team. The Rangers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in five tough games to meet the Capitals, only to fall behind 3-1 in the series.

Since, New York has staged a dramatic rally to pull even. All of the momentum favors the Rangers, who will have over 19,000 strong rocking at Madison Square Garden. This sets up Lundqvist for another Game 7 triumph, potentially his sixth throughout his career, which would tie him with Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy.

There is no argument that Lundqvist is one of the best goaltenders in this generation. The Swedish sensation broke into the NHL back in 2005 after being a seventh-round draft pick in 2000. Lundqvist has a record of 339-208-65, amassing a 2.26 ERA and 55 shutouts over 10 seasons. Project his average numbers over the next four or five years, and we are looking at a Hall of Fame goaltender.

Yet, Lundqvist won’t be remembered in the pantheon of all-time greats if he can’t win a ring. He has knocked on the door a few times, reaching the Finals in 2014 and the conference finals in 2012, only to lose to Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. This time around, the Rangers are favorites to win the Stanley Cup, bolstered by an offense featuring Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis, Derick Brassard, Derek Stepan and others.

Unlike many towns which appreciate its superstars regardless of ring count, New York looks for the bling. Fans in the Big Apple adore the Yankees of the Derek Jeter era, the 1969 and 1986 Mets, the Willis Reed-led Knicks of the 1970’s and the Rangers back in 1994. Nobody talks about the teams that almost one, because nobody cares. Patrick Ewing gets applause, but the thoughts of what if of palpable every time he makes an appearance.

Lundqvist may not be solely responsible for the Rangers’ fate, but he will bear the brunt of it regardless. His counterpart, Washington’s Braden Holtby, has been terrific throughout this struggle. Lundqvist needs to overcome the youngster, put him in his place as Lundqvist was so many times earlier in his career.

New York has won only one Stanley Cup since 1940, furthering the angst of the fan base. Mike Richter was able to deliver that championship alongside Mark Messier, beating the Vancouver Canucks in seven hair-raising games. If Lundqvist can provide a similar moment, Rangers fans will start erecting a statue on 34th Street that same night.

The Swede already owns almost every other significant award. Lundqvist won a Gold Medal in 2006 for Sweden at the Torino Games, took home a Vezina Trophy in 2012 and is a seven-time team MVP. Lundqvist has also made three All-Star teams and was named to the All-Rookie team back in 2005.

His mantle is full, but his trophy case is not. There remains a gaping hole in the center, symbolizing a tantalizing portion of Lundqvist’s career that has painfully eluded him.

If Lundqvist is ever to take down the ultimate prize and hoist that 34.5 pounds of silver over head, now is the time.