Breaking News: Henrik Lundqvist Signs Extension with Rangers

Jeremy Kenter's picture
Posted February 13th, 2008 by Jeremy Kenter
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Citing reports in the NY Daily News, the New York Rangers and goalie Henrik Lundqvist have agreed upon a 6-year extension worth about $6.5 million per season. The 25-year-old netminder earned $4.25 million this season and would have been a restricted free agent if he had not signed before July 1. The organization will likely make an official announcement sometime in the next 24-48 hours. The two-time Vezina finalist has been inconsistent thus far (this season). He is 24-21-5 with a .906 SV%, 2.37 GAA and 7 shutouts. I originally believed that Lundqvist was one of the most underpaid netminders along with Brodeur and Nabokov. I suppose my theory came true.

After a strong start in which he allowed 42 goals over the first 23 games (average of 1.83), King Henrik has recently regressed. In a competitive Atlantic, I am less confident about the Rangers chances making the playoffs and winning one or two rounds. Yesterday, I discussed the division in depth.

Lundqvist allowed three goals or more six times throughout the first two months of the season, and then 7x in each of the following two monhts (dec and jan).

His career numbers are solid.

Career Numbers:

Record: 91-55-22

GAA: 2.32 GAA

SV% .916

SO 14

ESPN mentioned the declining health of Lundqvist's father, which has coincided with his recent slump.

I understand that he's a professional athlete but he's also a human being. He would never blame personal matters for struggling net. But, if that's the case, it would make sense

Henrik Lundqvist’s Monthly Statistics This Season

October 4-6-1 1.82 GAA .930 SV% 2 SO

November 9-3-0 1.81 GAA .930 SV% 2 SO

December 5-4-2 3.11 GAA .875 SV% 2 SO

January 4-6-2 2.55 GAA .891 SV% 1 SO

February 2-2-0 3.03 GAA .893 SV% 0 SO

You notice an increse in goals against average a a decrease in wins.

Is the two-time Vezina finalist worth the money?

Absolutely.

Yet, he has never started more than 69 games in his three-year career and never had a 40-win season. This year, he has certainly relapsed, proving inconclusive evidence which direction he is headed towards in the future.

Then again, the Rangers were expected to be among the league leaders in scoring, not tied with St. Louis for 28th place (140 goals, 2.34 per game).

I agree with this signing. If Lundqvist waited until the offseason to negotiate and failed to sign before July 1, teams might have offered more than the Rangers’ pockets could afford. They would have matched any figure, but, bearing in mind they have Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and many others locked up, securing Lundqvist’s future in New York was their most important priority.

The Rangers made the necessary and proper decision but they were forced to pay the price. Now, we will see if Lundqvist is worth the money.





Rangers new season is g to be great!!!

Submitted by Hannah Montana (not verified) on Thu, 02/14/2008 - 11:39.
New York Rangers are looking forward to return to glory of the Stanley cup finals. For this aim they’ve brought new players such as Chris Drury and Scott Gomez. In their early games of this season, the guys have proved that they have strength and ability to do well in this season. However, there's a long way still waiting for them to reach their goal. But day after day Rangers' fans are increasing due to the remarkable improvement in their results. If you're one of those fans or you've just decided to be and you want their Tickets there's an interesting website, which I use all the time, and really they have cheap tickets for Rangers' games and more. Here's the link: http://www.ticketsinventory.com/nhl/new-york-rangers-tickets/ Anyway, I wish the new comers will bring good luck to Rangers!!!

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