New York Rangers: Star Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist Talks Boston Bruins and More

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New York Rangers star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist talked about the Boston Bruins, the playoffs and more when he spoke to reporters after Saturday's 3-2 overtime win in Boston.

Lundqvist is a legitimate Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy candidate this season, and is arguably the best goalie in the NHL. His importance to the success of the Rangers is massive, and he has been one of the most consistent NHL stars for many years.

Let's take a look at Lundqvist's thoughts from Saturday's game and some topics moving forward.

Lundvist Talks About Significance of Bruins Game

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The Bruins and Rangers often play on weekend afternoons so they can be watched by national television audiences. These two teams play a very physical, high scoring style of hockey which is a good advertisement for the NHL.

The players love to take part in these marquee games that usually have a higher level of competitiveness than most games.

It was exciting. I didn’t try to approach it differently, or have a different mindset. But it was definitely exciting to play Boston.

But I think we like these types of games. I think they play similar to us, work really hard, play physical, and grind away. It was fun. Good building today, it was a great atmosphere, and a great finish for us.

They knew what type of game it would be, because we’ve played each other a lot the last few years, and they have a similar style. Every time it’s intense. It was a great atmosphere today as well, so I think everybody enjoyed it.

Brad Richards also thought the game on Saturday was fun, and I think many of Rangers teammates would agree. Players want to play against the best, and the Rangers certainly have that mentality.

Are the Bruins the Toughest Team the Rangers Have Played This Season?

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Playing in the Atlantic division means the Rangers have to face several good opponents and rivals on a regular basis, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers:

After narrowly beating Boston in overtime on Saturday, Lundqvist was asked if the Bruins were the toughest team the Rangers had faced this season.

No, I mean, they’re a great team, but every team is different. You play Pittsburgh, they’re skilled in a different way. They go fast down the way, they bring pucks, and they come fast at you.

When you play Boston it’s more about battle levels. It’s just different types of games. I can say this team is tougher than other teams. They’re a good team. You definitely have to be patient with these guys, they like to fake it and go across a lot. The key for me is just to be aware of where everybody is and stay patient.

For the Rangers, who don't mind playing a physical game like the Bruins do, the speed and skill of the Penguins probably bothers them a bit more than Boston's strength.

Lundqvist Talks About the Bruins in Playoffs

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The Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers are the two best teams in the Eastern Conference, and arguably the NHL.

The two seem destined to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals this season, and Henrik Lundqvist talked about the possibility of meeting the Bruins in the postseason.

Well it’s a little early to think about it. But again, they play similar to us, so the key when you play these types of games and this type of team is the battle level. Battles all over the ice, in front of the nets, in the corners. And I think we answered really well.

I think everyone can agree a seven game series between these two teams would not only be exciting, it would be a hard-fought, physical battle. Both teams play a similar style of hockey.

 

Follow Nicholas Goss on Twitter for constant NHL news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. All quotes obtained first hand.