Lundqvist is experiencing his worst season for the Rangers

Steve Brenner 11:58 24/01/2017
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  • It’s a tough time for New York sporting icons. Carmelo Anthony is creaking like the awful Knicks while over on the ice, the King has slipped off his throne.

    For the past 12 years, Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist has been the face of the franchise. Mr Dependable. Good old safe hands himself has never seen his position questioned…until now.

    A slump in form – ironic considering Rangers are at their strongest offensively for a while – has plunged the Swede’s future firmly into doubt.

    The defence has done him no favours though the stats still make nasty reading: four or more goals conceded in five of his last six matches. One saw five shipped from only 22 shots. There were wobbles earlier in the season when 18 goals flew past him in six games.

    Alarm bells started ringing. Lundqvist, who won gold at the 2006 Olympics in Swedish colours, has a 2.72 goals against average together with a .907 save percentage after 31 games. In other words, it’s his worst campaign in Rangers blue though if aspirations of lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1994 remain, Lundqvist needs a return to form.

    “I don’t think I’ve played bad,” he admitted. “But I haven’t come up with the big saves at the right time. And sometimes that’s the difference.”

    Luck, as any sportsman will tell you, also plays its part. And with impressive replacement Antti Raanta injured and unlikely to return until after this week’s All-Star break, the King has an extended chance to restore his crown.

    “If Henrik continues to struggle and Raanta plays well again when he comes back, Rangers could face goalie question mark for playoffs for first time since Henrik has been on the team,” said lifelong fan Matt DeMazza. “It’s weird because he’s had years when he’s carried some low-scoring Rangers teams on his shoulders. And all this playing behind the most attacking, offensive team for ages.”

    Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh shoulders the blame and knows it hasn’t been easy for the Swede.

    “Sometimes they happen in waves,” McDonagh said. “The bounces have been going against him a little bit here. His time will come. We let him know that we have his back and we’re doing everything we can in front of him to play the way we need to play to try to win a game.”

    Whether Lundqvist recaptures the magic or not, Rangers must be relieved that Raanta produced the goods when asked. After all, being an NHL backup keeper can be a thankless task. Some call it the best – and worst – job in the game though there was a time when there was no back-up at all.

    Indeed, you have to go all the way back to 1965 to find the first time the NHL actually demanded that teams have a fully dressed backup on the bench. That naturally created some awkward scenarios – former Rangers coach Lester ‘Silver Fox’ Patrick was forced onto the ice during the 1928 Stanley Cup Final following an injury to the designated starter. He was 44 years old – and played a blinder. It can be tough for a reserve to sit on the bench for 82 games soaking up the atmosphere – and the smells.

    Legendary stopper Ron Tugnutt famously used his glove to eat potato chips out of. Others cannot resist the temptation of sneaking out to nab some fast food. Quebec’s John Garret was once thrown on and had no option but to shove a half eaten hot dog down his trousers. Mustard was seeping into his boots as the pucks began to fly.

    In today’s game, however, the No2 is no laughing matter. In last year’s Conference Finals, all four teams used their reserve stoppers – the first time that’s happened in 36 years. Nevertheless, on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lundqvist turned back the clock. The 393rd win of his career was capped with 23 saves and the hope of a return to the glory days.

    “It’s not fun as a goalie to give up a lot of goals,” he said.

    Watching a legend lose his powers isn’t a joyful experience either.

    His legacy – and the Rangers’ season – is on the line.

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