Henrik Lundqvist isn't playing like Henrik Lundqvist.
The New York Rangers' all-world goaltender was pulled Saturday after allowing three goals on nine shots to the Buffalo Sabres, marking the seventh time he's hit the bench early this season. The Sabres defeated the Rangers 4-3, keeping New York from clinching a playoff spot. And there's no doubt "The King" is in a slump.
Lundqvist had a March to forget, winning only two of nine starts and posting very un-Lundqvist-like numbers: a .906 save percentage and 3.38 GAA. And those stats came on the heels of a .922 January and .934 February.
Interestingly enough, Lundqvist left his first start in March with a neck injury, after he was injured against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh collided with Lundqvist in that game, and the Swede lost it, tossing the net off its moorings in frustration. He left after 40 minutes and didn't return to action until nine days later, when he was stellar against the Detroit Red Wings, stopping 40 of 43 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss.
Since then, though, Lundqvist has allowed three or more goals in six of eight starts.
Lundqvist turned 34 on March 2. He's getting up there in age, though he went into action Saturday with a .921 save percentage - the seventh straight season he's been at .920 or better. As he goes, so too the Rangers.
The Rangers probably aren't worried. Lundqvist has played some of his best hockey in the spring, posting a .927 save percentage in 25 playoff games in 2013-14, and a .928 save percentage in 19 playoff starts last season. He'll find his game when they matter.
