NHL Playoffs: Henrik Lundqvist Will Break Through for New York Rangers

The New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist had a career year and odds are he will be taking home at least one piece of hardware this year. He has the potential to break through in this year's playoffs and has a chance of capturing three trophies.

When looking at top goaltenders, the most common knock is that Lundqvist doesn't have playoff success. While this may be true, when taking a closer look, Lundqvist was a very young player on teams that didn't generate tons of offense. 

Now Lundqvist is older, wiser and full of more experience at the NHL level. He has paced himself this season and will be well-rested and primed to make noise in the postseason. Lundqvist is familiar with this style of play and that was evident when he backstopped Sweden to an Olympic gold medal in 2006. 

He was ridden like a workhorse and was a solid foundation and Sweden was victorious.

This season for the Rangers, Lundqvist posted a career-best year in wins (39), save percentage (.930) and goals against average (1.97) and yet he only appeared in 62 games!

With these amazing numbers, his previous nominations and his ability to take the Rangers from eighth in the East to first over the course of one season will all but guarantee Lundqvist a Vezina Trophy.

The Vezina Trophy would be a nice accomplishment, but Henrik wants to win the Stanley Cup. With the roster as constructed, the Rangers could go all the way. The team's 51 wins is its best mark since the Broadway Blueshirts won the Stanley Cup in 1993-94. This team will go as far as Henrik takes it and there are three key reasons why he will break through in the playoffs this season.

Henrik Is Well-Rested for a Lengthy Run

Lundqvist appeared in 62 games this season. This is a far cry from the 70-plus games that he is used to. With Lundqvist appearing in less games this year, he is fresh and rested. A goaltender that plays at an elite level like Lundqvist is expected to feel some fatigue during an 82-game season. 

With a lighter work schedule properly balanced, Henrik has been able to prepare and adjust to a heavier schedule, one he is used, for the playoffs which are more important. Goalies like Pekka Rinne are at a disadvantage due to a heavier workload. Rinne appeared in 73 games this season.

Lundqvist Is Having a Career Year and Has Remained Consistent

Lundqvist had a career year and did it in less starts. This only means that once the playoffs starts, he will be able to continue his high level of play. His consistency also ensures that the Rangers can remain consistent, so there isn't a good chance that a team will easily knock off the Rangers in a best-of-seven series.

Lundqvist Is More Motivated Than Ever

The way the Rangers' last season ended was very tough on Lundqvist. A bad misplay that led to a Jason Chimera goal really turned the series in Washington's favor and took the wind out of his sails. This year, Lundqvist has been motivated to be the best.

In a New York Times profile, Lundqvist had this to say:

"

The first three years, it was a lot about proving to everybody else that I should be here, that I should play in this league. But now it's about proving to myself. I want to be good. I want to play better.

 

"

Lundqvist later added: "I'm going to be the best. And that's that."

Henrik Lundqvist can't wait for the playoffs to start and he is ready to prove he is truly the best. If Lundqvist can carry his team to its first Stanley Cup since 1994, there is a good chance Lundqvist could capture the Vezina, Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup in one swoop. Not a bad way to end a career year if you ask me.

Tom Urtz Jr is an NHL Featured Columnist.

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