New York Rangers Season Review: Henrik Lundqvist Led the Way

NEW YORK,NY---

This season was a disappointing one as the Rangers were bounced from the first round of the playoffs because of their lack of scoring. Henrik Lundqvist can only do so much to help the Rangers win. Henrik was so determined this season to remain perfect when he could. 

Henrik was trying to shake the season ending shootout loss against Philadelphia from the year before. Henrik had lamented “ every game and point counts and I don’t want to be in the position that we were in last season.”

If there was anything that clearly stood out about the New York Rangers this season, it was their goaltending. It was the one facet of the Rangers’ game that remained consistent.

Whether Henrik Lundqvist or Marty Biron were between the pipes, the Rangers always had a chance to win. With that being said, the dynamic duo of Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron played exceptionally well. 

Henrik Lundqvist, arguably had his best season yet as a Rangers. Henrik proved why he is called “King”. He made a plethora of highlight reel saves this season on snipers such as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos, Daniel Sedin, and many other lethal scorers.

Henrik not only finished well in the statistical categories, but he also had to play a stretch of 20 plus games in a row on the way to the playoffs. Henrik literally carried the Rangers on his back as the Rangers fought to make the playoffs.

Despite being snubbed from Vezina Trophy consideration, Henrik finished with a record of 36-27-5 with 11 shutouts a goals against average of 2.28 and a .923 save percentage. He also got his 200th win as a New York Ranger this season and currently sits with 213 wins trailing Mike Richter by 78 wins. 

Henrik has shown that he has the ability necessary to take the Rangers to the Stanley Cup in the future however, he will need some serious offensive help.

Marty Biron had an impact on the Rangers this season both on and off the ice. When Biron was on the bench he was known as the “shootout guru.” During the game Biron would study the opposing goaltender and learn his tendencies and where their weak spots were.

Come shootout time, the Rangers’ shooter would consult the “guru” before making a shootout attempt. The majority of the time Biron was right and it resulted in a Rangers shootout goal.

The former Buffalo Sabres first round draft pick put up respectable numbers when he did get the start. A collar bone injury late in the season put Biron out of commission which greatly affected his numbers. Biron was projected to start between 25-30 games but only appeared in 17.

During those 17 games, Biron posted a record of 8-6 with a goals against average of .923 and a save percentage of .923. He failed to appear in 25 games so those numbers are considered to be inflated.

The Rangers have seem to have found a successful and reliable backup in Biron and they hope he can play a larger role for them next season.

Overall Grades

 Henrik Lundqvist: A

Marty Biron: B+

The Rangers really had no major negatives this year when it came to their goaltending. I expect that Benoit Allaire will extensively coach and correct minor details of both Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron’s goaltending styles.

Future Watch for Goaltenders

1. Chad Johnson: CT Whale
2. Cam Talbot: CT Whale

Comments, Questions, Concerns?

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