Performer of the Week: Henrik Lundqvist
The Return of the King.
New York Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist is the Performer of the Week after backstopping three wins, each versus division rivals, and allowing just a trio of goals in the process.
Lundqvist used 28 saves to earn a pair of narrow one-goal victories over the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers, and underscored his run with a shutout of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night. It was the first time in eight games an opposing goaltender kept Sidney Crosby off the scoresheet.
"The King" has now won his last four games and eight of 10, keying the Blueshirts' run in the absence of Rick Nash, and most recently, captain Ryan McDonagh.
Stat Line
3 starts, 3 goals against, 3 wins, 84 saves, 1 shutout
Notable Night
Feb. 11 vs. Penguins: Lundqvist was perfect in the marquee clash versus Pittsburgh, despite New York's opponent accounting for nearly 60 percent of the shot attempts and totaling 32 scoring chances. He secured the clean sheet with 34 saves and survived 10 high-danger scoring opportunities.
The Quote
"I still have to go buy the wine."
Lundqvist may not have expected to shutout the surging Pens, as he was without red to dole out after the win - an appreciative post-shutout ritual he shares with his Rangers teammates.
The Tweet
#NYR Henrik Lundqvist records career win 366, passing Martin Brodeur for the most in NHL history in a goalie's first 11 seasons.
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) February 11, 2016
Not bad.