Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist: Commanding net in opener

Lundqvist will protect the net in Thursday's season opener against the Islanders, the New York Post reports.

Analysis:

As if there was any doubt who would start in the crease for the Rangers in the 2016-17 campaign. The King is coming off arguably his worst season between the pipes in terms of statistics -- mostly GAA -- but much of that can be attributed to the team around him struggling defensively last year. Indeed, the 34-year-old remains a solid presence in the crease, but may be in line to face a high volume of shots again this season.