Henrik Lundqvist is at the top of his game and proving that he is going to be a real contender for the Vezina Trophy. However, that isn't the discussion right now because everyone has their own preference and bias toward goaltenders. Regardless, hockey fans have to be impressed with what Lundqvist is doing.

Lundqvist is without a doubt an elite NHL goaltender. He is talented, calm under pressure and has an uncanny ability when it comes to stealing games. The biggest knock critics and opposing fans gripe about is Lundqvist's record in the postseason. Most fans ignorantly just look up stat "X", stat "Y" and stat "Z" in an attempt to claim that Lundqvist isn't worth the hype. 

The Olympic gold medalist may have a losing record in the playoffs, but his statistics are merely a by-product of an inept offensive team. When you compare the Washington Capitals to the Rangers, there is an obvious offensive advantage at play. When Henrik is forced to be almost perfect, losing 2-1 or 3-2 doesn't adequately tell the story. 

Moving past the playoffs, as they likely will be different this season, Lundqvist is on pace for career highs across the board. With 20 wins, a goals against average of 1.90 and four shutouts, Lundqvist is playing at the top of his game.

When all is said and done, Lundqvist could walk away with 40-plus wins and a goals against average between the high ones and low twos. Lundqvist has been the backbone of the team for seven years. He has put up extraordinary numbers for his team in the past with little to no support.

When your team lives or dies on the efforts of one player, it doesn't bode well for playoff success. This season Lundqvist remains a huge part of the Rangers success, but he doesn't have to pull a rabbit out of his hat every night. His team is finding ways to win. When the Rangers went down 2-0 against the Philadelphia Flyers early in the second period of the Winter Classic, most fans got dejected. 

The Rangers did not. They did not quit, sulk, moan or groan. Instead, Mike Rupp scored a big goal and motivated his team. The veteran leaders of the team, Lundqvist included, are stepping up. They are setting the tone and are keeping everything at an even pace. The Rangers have been successful because the team takes everything one shift at a time.

If Lundqvist and the team gives up a goal on a bad shift, so what? The team can rebound and will battle to the bitter end. It helps to have a goaltender of Lundqvist's caliber on your team, though. Even if Lundqvist has a bad game it doesn't matter because you can expect him to bounce back.

Against the Montreal Canadiens, Lundqvist had a terrible start. However, on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators, Lundqvist was perfect as he recorded a shutout. He bounced back and didn't let a bad start get to him. It is one thing to come back from a bad start and hold on for a win, but to shutout one of the top teams in the league and Western Conference is quite impressive.

Statistics can paint a picture in many ways. Every hockey fan can look at the league leaders section of NHL.com. Everyone can use these stats to say why player X is better than player Y. 

Lundqvist may be in the top whatever for most goaltending statistics but that is not why he is a top goaltender. He is a top goaltender because he gives his team a chance every night. He is disciplined and prepares for battle with goaltending coach Benoit Allaire and Martin Biron.

The goalie tandem goes through a plethora of goaltender-specific drills before the rest of the team gets on the ice. Both Biron and Lundqvist, with Allaire's instruction and supervision, are constantly changing elements of their game.

When you combine the talent, work ethic, consistency and numbers that Lundqvist has posted, it is easy to see why he is a top goaltender and one of the most important members to his particular team out of all the players in the NHL.

The Rangers' success in the playoffs will go through Lundqvist. He has proven he is capable and competent enough for the job, so fans should not fret over his past playoff woes.

While everyone thinks Lundqvist has a great shot at winning the Vezina, this goaltender will takes things one shot, kick save and shutout at a time. The elegance and simplicity that Lundqvist brings to the art of goaltending is something you just need to sit back and watch if you want to truly understand why he is one of the top goaltenders in the game today.

Tom Urtz Jr. is an NHL Featured Columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: