5 NHL players set to have comeback seasons in 2018-19
By Kyle McKenna
2. Henrik Lundqvist
Since goaltender Henrik Lundqvist first strapped on the pads at Madison Square Garden back in 2005-06, the New York Rangers have only missed the playoffs on two occasions. After a career low season in 2017-18, The King’s performance between the pipes will take one giant step forward in 2019.
Yes, the Rangers are entering a rebuild phase for the first time in over a decade and in Lundqvist’s NHL career, but a new coaching staff and youthful talent should benefit the Swedish native. For starters, there’s going to be less pressure on Hank next season since the team’s expectations aren’t as high as they’ve been in recent memory.
A looser attitude and culture change that newly appointed head coach David Quinn will stride to establish should have a domino effect on Lundqvist’s performance on Broadway next season.
The Broadway Blueshirts and their youngsters will have some notable struggles next season, but given the 2012 Vezina Trophy winner’s competitive edge and mentality, it would be hard to imagine that Lundqvist won’t rise to the occasion when called upon.
No Ranger has arguably handled the pressures and outside factors of playing in the Big Apple better than Lundqvist has since he joined New York 13 years ago. The all-time greats don’t run from challenges, they embrace them.
Don’t expect that obstacle to be any different for one of the greatest European goaltenders to stand tall between the pipes in the NHL. Yes, he’s aging and has played in a ton of games over the past eight seasons, but perhaps last year’s struggles were a wakeup call and blessing in disguise for Lundqvist.
Sometimes, a new challenge and a hint of adversity are all that a superstar needs to get back on track.