Henrik Lundqvist-Blood Boiling Due To The Rangers?
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
You have to feel for Henrik Lundqvist. He has accomplished so much in his time as a Ranger. Winningest goalie in franchise history. Franchise leader in shutouts. Two-time Olympic medalist for Sweden (Gold and Silver). Vezina trophy winner in 2012. Stanley Cup Final runner-up.
But there is something that has to be eating at him. No matter how hard he tries, Lundqvist just can’t solve the riddle. That riddle is the New York Rangers, a team that was supposed to compete this season for the division. However, they are going in the opposite direction. Sitting at 6-6-2, the Rangers are not out of it yet. However, if they continue to lose the way they did last weekend (a 5-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday and 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday), then things could go south real quick.
Perhaps, their season may have gone down the drain if it were not for the effort of Lundqvist. Despite being outscored most nights, his saves have been highlight-worthy. He constantly keeps the Rangers in a game. But constantly his team lets him down. You have to think that Lundqvist is reaching his boiling point. One day, reports will surface that Lundqvist yelled behind closed doors at his teammates and started pointing fingers.
Actually, a little frustration had peeped from Lundqvist on Sunday night. The first sign came during a stoppage in play. As the announcers were talking, you could hear in the background someone dropping a very loud F-bomb in the background. Rangers fans in unison took to the twitter-verse and agreed with the netminder. The second time was after a players-only meeting following their Sunday loss. Jim Cerny of blueshirtsunited.com sent out tweet yesterday:
#NYR close dressing room for team chat after the game..thenStaalcalls loss “awakeup call” & Henriksays “it’s our 2nd or 3rd wakeup call” — Jim Cerny(@JimCerny) November 10, 2014
The frustration is mounting for Lundqvist. But what factors could be leading to his frustration you ask? Let’s take a guess:
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
DEFENSE: ONCE A STRENGTH, NOW A WEAKNESS
When you thought of the Rangers, most would believe they were a defensive team that prided themselves on being able to stop the puck and limit shots to the opposition. With names like Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Kevin Klein, John Moore, Rangers fans hoped that this group of defensemen, along with Lundqvist, would be able to repeat the success of last season. Well, that’s not the case this season.
Of their first 14 games this season, the Rangers defense has allowed less than three goals three times. The other 11 games, they have allowed three or more goal. And four of those games they have allowed at least five goals. What is the reason? Right now, that’s what the team needs to figure out. Not to make an excuse, but injuries has played a part in their play. One losing Boyle early in the season. Then, McDonagh going down with a separated shoulder. Then Moore’s five game suspension earlier this month creates a recipe for disaster. There’s been a carousel of players trying to fill their shoes. And it’s been met with moderate success.
However, it still does not excuse the fact that the Rangers are leaving wide open to put a slapper past Lundqvist or any other goalie for that matter. Several times this season, the defense is seen congregating to one side of the ice, leaving a trailer to sneek up from behind. The player is wide-open, I mean WIDE-OPEN! They’re so wide-open, Matt Cooke could score (oh wait, he did). The point is, assistant coach Ulf Sammuelson needs to rally his group and say enough is enough. Stop leaving your goalie out to dry. It’s that simple. Maybe that’s what they need to do, simplify their defensive schemes?
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
THE TEAM IN FRONT IS NOT WHAT IT WAS LAST YEAR
Yes, yes, the most obvious reason for the poor play this season has been the subtractions from last year’s team. Anton Stralman and Brian Boyle who were defensive juggernauts for the Rangers last year left for the warmer climate in Florida to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Benoit Pouliot decided to go back to Canada and found a spot with the Edmonton Oilers. The veteran Brad Richards was had his contract bought out and is now in the Windy City trying to prove why he belongs with the Chicago Blackhawks. Again, all these players played important roles in their various ways that helped the team to success.
This year, the Rangers have had to fill in the gaps with a mix of free agents and prospects. By way of free agency, the team was introduced to Dan Boyle, Tanner Glass, Lee Stempniak, Matthew Lombardi, and Ryan Malone. Of the five players, three remain with the Rangers. Lombardi was waived and has decided to play overseas instead of accepting the demotion. Ryan Malone, a potential “feel good” story of the year was waived recently and was reassigned to the Rangers AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack. Of the three left, only Stempniak has been the most productive and has been a welcome sight for the team. Glass has shown a little playmaking ability but not enough to be an impact to the team, thus far.
And Boyle has been injured with a broken hand suffered in the first game of the season. The Rangers prospects that have remained with the team are doing ok. Anthony Duclair proved that he can play in the NHL after coming off a successful campaign in the QMJHL. However, he is 19 years old and still has growing to do. Kevin Hayes, a former first-round draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks has been up and down with his play. His play on defense has made him an asset to the team. However, it is his offensive side that is garnering criticism. Faceoffs and holding onto the puck have become his liabilities. Just like Duclair, he needs time to grow. If they both want stand out from their peers, they need to work on their craft. And with each passing day, I assume they are. However, it’s not translating to the actual game.
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Frustrating, isn’t it? Especially for Lundqvist who has been at the top of his game for the Rangers this long, it is. How long can one player go till they finally snap? If you have ever been on a team sport, you know the feeling? You give it your all every game, but don’t feel you others aren’t giving the same level of support. They are making dumb-headed plays and you’re just left scratching your head, “I signed up for this?” Lundqvist should voice his displeasure more. Stop the “we know we can play better than this” routine and let out your frustration. Make players accountable. Perhaps that was refreshing about former Rangers coach John Tortorella. He called players out and was not ashamed. Or else, it’s going to be the same old song and dance after every game.