New York Rangers: Could Henrik Lundqvist Be a Hart Trophy Winner in 2011-12?

Hockey historians, experts and pundits all agree that the most important part of a hockey team is its goaltender. A team follows its goaltender onto the ice and they are often thought of as the team’s second leader after the team captain.

If you asked most fans who the heart of the New York Rangers is, many—myself included—would answer Henrik Lundqvist. Up to this point, the success of the New York Rangers has fallen squarely on the back of Lundqvist.

He has carried the burden of the team and the city of New York for five years now. He has been with the team at high points including playoff victories over New Jersey and the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers.

Henrik has also felt the pain and unjustly carried the blame for allowing a shootout goal to the Philadelphia Flyers on the last day of the 2009-10 campaign. When I think of the Hart Trophy, I think of its phonetic pronunciation of H-E-A-R-T. The Hart Trophy is known as the MVP award for the player who is most valuable to their team.

It is already known that Henrik is the heart of the Rangers, but could he have a season that is Hart-worthy?

Many have already made the misconception that with the arrival of Brad Richards, all focus has been shifted off the Swedish netminder. The way many fans see it, Richards is just another moving part in a very talented franchise. He brings experience and skill, but it doesn’t replace nor diminish the role that Henrik fills.

I am a firm believer that more goalies should win the Hart Trophy. It is unfortunate that those who vote for awards such as these don't view goalies as important in the debate.

Not many goalies have won the award recently. The last one to win the award was Jose Theodore, and the last before that was Dominek Hasek, who won the award back to back.

I realize that scorers are important to their team, but isn’t a goal prevented as important as one scored?

Forwards and goal scorers are measured by their shots and goals. Goaltenders are justly measured by their shots faced, goals against average and save percentage. Couldn’t the two statistical spectra be viewed as one?

At the end of the day, Henrik now has more pressure than ever. Now the Rangers have a player that contributes offensively, can help others to score and can bring leadership to a very youthful locker room.

Henrik has the potential to win 40-plus games this season. He has won as many as 38 in past seasons, so 40 or more is not a stretch by any means. He was given the moniker Captain Shutout last season after posting an NHL-leading 11 shutouts.

Henrik clearly is the most valuable player to the Rangers and their success will be a result of his play in goal. Will Henrik have a season worthy enough to win the Hart Trophy over all others in the NHL next season?

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist.

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