Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Farewell to the King

 


While I have spent waaaaay too much time on social media today, pointing out what a piece of shit Donald Trump is...I have had moments of distraction...Not just keeping up on my kids virtual schooling, but also because my favorite hockey team, the New York Rangers bought out the last year of goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist's contract... 

Lundqvist spent his entire 15 year career with the Rangers after he was picked by them in the 7th round of the 2000 draft...In those 15 seasons Hank racked up 459 Wins, 64 Shutouts, a .918 Save Percentage and a 2.43 Goals Against Average...His stats have him in the all-time elite NHL goalies, and he will undoubtedly be a first ballot Hall Of Famer...

He also helped lead Sweden to an Olympic Gold Medal in 2006 and Silver in 2014...

Lundqvist was the heart and soul of the Rangers team during his time their...He fell in love with living in New York city and became the face and spokesperson for The Garden of Dreams Foundation...They work with Madison Square Garden and it's tenants putting on numerous charity events and have a "Make-a-Wish" like program for sick kids...In 2014, Lundqvist and his wife founded the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation...A non-profit organization that focusses on health and education for children and families....The HLF is an international grantmaking organization with  partners in New York City, Sweden and the Dominican Republic....

Henrik loved living and playing in New York and loved being a Ranger...When the team made it clear they were going to start a rebuild and move some pieces out for draft picks a nd prospects, Lunqvist said he wanted to stay and see it through...That's the type of heart and soul of the team guy he is...Now the Rangers have two, young, stellar, Goaltenders as well as young, talented, depth on the blueline and a handful of elite forwards...As well as this years #1 Draft Pick...

I understand the business move and the fact that he is a 38 year old goalie and you have two guys in their 20's ready to go...But I keep looking at this COVID world we are in and the uncertainty of how next season will go and I wonder if carrying three goalies might be good idea...Also, as fan I really wanted to see King Henrik finish his career as a Ranger and get a Cup as a Ranger...

Rangers-town will miss him dearly...




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