NHL Playoffs 2012: Henrik Lundqvist's Post-Game Behavior out of Line

For anyone that has followed New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist throughout his career, the one thing you'll find out is just how competitive and intense of an individual he really is. 

Put it this way—teammates know not to bug him on game day.

That fierce nature has lead Lundqvist to some impressive accolades ranging from Olympic gold for his home nation of Sweden back in 2006 to this season becoming the first goalie in NHL history to start a career with seven consecutive 30-win seasons. 

The one piece of hardware that has alluded Lundqvist in his career is a Stanley Cup, and his team is currently immersed in an intense opening-round matchup with the Ottawa Senators.

Do or die for the Rangers was last night in Game 6, and they were victorious despite shoddy officiating throughout the game. It culminated with Ottawa's second goal that appeared to be illegally kicked in by Chris Neil. Not only did it count, but Lundqvist was irate that Neil—in his crease and using the goalie as leverage to put the puck in the net—wasn't penalized on the play.

Lundqvist's emotions boiled over into the team's post-game celebration and press conference and, to be fair, were very unbecoming of the diplomatic Swedish netminder.

While celebrating with his teammates, Lundqvist decided to scream obscenities at the officials as they skated off the ice and finally acknowledged the MSG cameras before he too skated off. 

Riveting material for the fans as they got to see Lundqvist's competitive side and share their feelings on what was a questionable call. But, not the right behavior for one of the game's best goalies.

Lundqvist carried over his anger towards the officials in his post-game press conference saying that he felt "someone wanted them [Ottawa] back in the game."

When you start mentioning conspiracy theories, you're not exactly endearing yourself to the league or the officials. If you're perceived as a whiner, less and less calls will go your way.

Henrik Lundqvist is an upstanding goalie who rarely lets his emotions get the best of him. I'll even go as far as saying he had every right to be upset.

However, voicing that frustration isn't the right way to go about it. Winning the series is.

Last night, Hank's post-game behavior was very surprising, out of line and may make his pockets a bit lighter.