The Henrik Lundqvist Blog

Henrik Lundqvist Talks Hurricane Sandy

2013-06-12T23:20:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe it's been more than six months since Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast and that the area is still working hard rebuilding.

I was personally touched and saddened by the devastation of the New York neighborhoods, which have become my American home since joining the New York Rangers in 2005.

To see the storm-ravaged communities and know that these are Ranger's fans - part of our team's family and people who have supported my career and our team season after season - we knew that we had to devise an effort to help and support them in return.

I decided to auction off my facemask in an auction hosted by Steiner Sports and donate that money toward efforts helping families and communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. To my surprise, the mask was auctioned for $66,000.

I then made the connection with Family-to-Family, a local New York City grassroots charity that specializes in matching those in need with those able to help, who was able to put the money raised through the auction to immediate use.

Family-to-Family traditionally focuses on poverty and literacy, but when Hurricane Sandy devastated the region, the organization sprang to action - quickly adapting their service focus to make hurricane relief their forefront effort. What was unique about the Family-to-Family team was that they were connecting those in need with those who want to help in a grassroots fashion - addressing one specific need/family/donor at a time.

To date, Family-to-Family has provided Hurricane Sandy victims with everything from pillows, blankets, air mattresses, clothing, kitchen items and small appliances to holiday toys and dinners, space heaters, cleaning products, cell phones and more.

Most recently, Family-to-Family organized the "Comforts of Home Welcome Box" campaign that aims to re-stock the kitchen cupboards of families still struggling from the effects of the storm. The "Comforts of Home" grocery boxes are designed to re-stock kitchen essentials such as sugar, flour, jelly, rice, pasta, oatmeal, canned tomatoes, etc. as well as dish towels, and pot holders.

For others looking to help, Family-to-Family has provided a simple way for donors across the country to click, order and share a "Comforts of Home Box" for affected families. For $62, the care packages are filled with basic food essentials for selected hurricane-affected families in Staten Island, The Rockaways, Brooklyn, New York City and Ocean County, New Jersey.

Charitable work is something that I take an active part in - and wish to continue with Family-to-Family's local efforts. I've been working closely with the Garden of Dreams Foundations since signing on as the spokesman in 2009. Also, my clothing line, the Crown Collection, which is sold exclusively in Madison Square Garden, sends a portion of the proceeds from sales to the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

New Yorkers are known for being many things - among them being tough and strong. I know that these neighborhoods will make a complete comeback and am dedicated to helping as much as I can in the process.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/henrik-lundqvist/post_4948_b_3416777.html

Henrik Lundqvist's (& Sofi Fahrman's) Guide to New York

2013-06-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

Here is our New York

Sofi Fahrman and Henrik Lundqvist guides to their own backyard
Together they have lived for over ten years in the city that never sleeps. Sofis fashion brought back to Sofi Fahrman and stylish hockey star Henrik Lundqvist during a day in New York to get their top tips - and got some crazy stories to boot.

"A dinner at The Standard Grill is the safest bet"
André Balazs hotel The Standard is the heart of the Meatpacking District and is home to The Standard Grill, Boom Boom Room, Le Bain and a classic beer garden. Here Sofi Fahrman and Henke Lundqvist partied together many times and here they invite visitors happy when it's time for a whole evening.
- I like to have some safe bets. A dinner at the Standard Grill and an aperitif or after drink at the Boom Boom, then it will please everyone. I see it a bit like Mc-Donalds, I know what I will get, says Sophie.
And it is the pulse, the skyline, the people and the food. As well as the occasional Swedish.
- If a place is in New York will not be long before it starts to hang Swedes there, says Henrik Lundqvist.
As the New York Swedes are both Sophie and Henry used to play tourist guides.
- Often when I get to visit, they are just as much here to enjoy New York to greet me, and they want the people to have a good time. For me, it's about winning hockey games. If I lose the week I
The visitor then it is not fun, then I'm just pissed. Then they will not be invited back either, says Henrik Lundqvist and laughs.

   FAVORITE PLACE STANDARD GRILL (TV) in the Meatpacking District.
RESTAURANT
Sofi's best:
- I like the top restaurants such as The Lion. Newly opened in the same group, Bill's 54.
Do you want a complete experience, we have The Darby, it is good if you are a little bigger gang. They have awesome musicians who go around and hand out the microphone to those who exude "I want to sing." One of my companions tore off a song again! All stood up and cheered. Are we a bunch of girls who are out so are the food and the venue is a safe bet at Buddakan.
But there I always go as soon as I land is to La Esquina, I need to get me into their cobs. I can sit on mountaintops or in Stockholm and think about how much I would pay for them. It has been up for 500.
The Lion, 62 W 9th Street,
www.thelionnyc.com
Bill's 54, 57 E 54th Steet,
www.bills54.com
Buddakan, 75 9th Avenue,
www.buddakannyc.com
La Esquina, 14 Kenmare Street,
www.esquinanyc.com

Henry's best
- Should I bring my family and is a little larger company that is Hillstone good. They have the world's best barbeque pork ribs, I'm a real sucker for them. There is a chain called Houston before, I am a frequent occurring guest at their restaurant on the Upper East Side. They usually have live music if you're lucky, a little jazz. There is no giant ¬ trendy, but cozy and very good meat.
Hillstone, 153 E 53rd Street,
www.hillstone.com / hill least

SHOPPING
Sofi's best:
- Barney's yesterday I'm very happy to help. If I only have a weekend in town, and also a lot of work, so it's very ¬ smoothly. They have the best from Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang, a good mix. On the second hand chain Ina ¬ I usually self submitting and ¬ buy things, where can one find a pair of Isabel Marant-boots with the price tag still there! For good base ¬ clothes I go to Uniqlo, they include fine cashmere.
Barney's, 116 Wooster St. (among others),
www.barneys.com
Ina, 21 Prince Street (among others),
www.inanyc.com

Henry's best:
- Meatpacking comes more and more like shopping area, but I still prefer Soho. I always go to Reiss on West Broadway. They have good jackets and I like to shop for jackets. I find it extremely difficult to get rid of stuff. The advantage of having dual lodging is that I can have things both in Sweden and New York, haha. It becomes a part ... Sometimes I go and leave the stuff to an old lady who has everything in its store. I get nothing in return except that she smiles at me every time I walk past on the street, it heats very much! I just think I have shopped second-hand only once in my life and it was a Studio 54 party when I was 18. Trying to buy clothes for my wife, I have given up.
Uniqlo, 546 Broadway (among others),
www.uniqlo.com
Reiss, 387 W Broadway (among others),
www.reiss.com

BAR
SOFS best:
- Will you have a drink in New York so would you still have a sky bar, otherwise it could be anywhere. Then we go to the Dream Downtown's rooftop bar Ph-D. In summer you can sit outside with the Empire State behind them - that makes everyone happy, it's a classic Instagram ¬ moments! When I am looking for the old, venerable New York I go to the Carlyle Hotel. There I drink no more than a Dry Martini, and to play it a bit fine pianoklink in the background.
Ph-D, 355 W 16th Street,
www.dreamdowntown.com
The Carlyle,
35 E 76th Street,
www.rosewoodhotels.com / a / carlyle

Henry's best:
- Stone Rose Lounge in the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle is one of the nicest bars in New York. It's a pretty boring area and you have to go through a mall to get there, but well up in the bar on the fourth floor with views of Central Park. After taking the family to dinner at Hillstone, go here to either rev up or wind down the evening. Then it's time to send the kids home!
Stone Rose Lounge, 10 Columbus Circle,
www.gerberbars.com / stone-rose-new
CLUB

Sofi's best:
- When I am not pregnant, I love to feast on the day, it is not news, haha. I like to then go in places that Beaumarchais and Lavo. Or maybe to Bagatelle, where there has been some crazy lunches. I remember one particular time. They have a Superman Costume in the bar so I decided to surprise my friends and went into the kitchen and switched on. Then they carried me out like Superman with a little drink in his hand!
Beaumarchais, 409 W 13th Street
www.brasseriebeaumarchais.com
Lavo, 39 E 58th Street
www.lavony.com
Bistro Bagatelle, 1 Little W. 12th Street
www.bistrotbagatelle.com

Henry's best:
- Clubs are actually as much fun at home in Sweden, but if you want only the clearing, bottles on the table and super festive dot com, then it's Avenue, 1 Oak or SL will apply. Do I have to choose one, it becomes 1 Oak. It's been good for a very long time. It's fun and always very busy. It happens more often that people recognize me, but I can live quite relaxed, as usual.
1 Oak, 453 W 17th Street
www.1oaknyc.com
Avenue, 16 10th Avenue
www.avenue-newyork.com
SL, 409 West 14th Street
www.emmgrp.com / nightlife / sl

FESTER
Sofi's best:
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. This will give you both a walk and an experience - the really New York-iga wow feeling. It's such a groovy design and so characteristic of New York, you've seen it in so many movies and so many pictures. Still, I have many friends who have been here several times, but missed the Brooklyn Bridge. I tend to attract a great vintage fair in Brooklyn or we take an ice cream at the Brooklyn Icecream Factory. Since we tend to move towards the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg and finish on their rooftop bar.
Brooklyn Icecream Factory, corner of Old Fulton and Water Street
www.brooklynicecreamfactory.com
Wythe Hotel, 80 Wythe Avenue,
www.wythehotel.com

Henry's best:
- Do I have a day off to try my wife Therese drag with me to Central Park, it's actually very relaxing. It's hard to find a relaxing place in New York, it's full speed wherever you are. In the park, strolling man, it's not the same tempo. Especially on hot days so are people everywhere, it's like you've taken a step outside of town. And yet it is a very active sense of the park. It feels very healthy.

Sofi Fahrman and Henrik Lundqvist

SOFI Fahrman
Occupation: Creative Advisor at Sofis fashion, pushing Sofis snapshots and the author of three novels and a training book. Age 33 years.
Family: fiancé Nick and a daughter. Little sister Frida Fahrman with family and mom and dad Fahrman home in Stockholm.
Lives: Hesitation between Stockholm, Verbier and New York.

HENRIK LUNDQVIST
Occupation: Hockey Goalie of the New York Rangers. He was appointed last year to the NHL's best goalie and has three times been selected for the league's All Star Game. His 40 minutes younger twin brother is the captain for Frölunda HC. Henke has also been praised for its style and in 2009 appeared the brothers Lundqvist in a fashion campaign for Brothers. He has played in numerous advertising campaigns for Head & Shoulders, the latest along with Sofi Fahrman.
Age 31 years.
Family: Teenage Love Therese Andersson, who he married last year, the daughter Charlise that fills a July 10 and dobbermannen Nova.
Lives: In a penthouse with roof terrace in Hell's Kitchen, New York, and in Gothenburg.

All credit goes to reader Mickael for getting this article to me. Thank you!

Henrik Lundqvist & Fans Part 17

2013-06-10T03:44:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: All of these photos were found at public sites; however, if you are in any of the fan photos and you would like me to remove a photo for you, do not hesitate to tell me as I will surely take it down for you. Also, as always if you would like to submit a photo of yourself and Henrik to the blog do not hesitate to e-mail me or post the photo on The Henrik Lundqvist Blog Facebook page.

Since it's the off-season and news is slow, I thought I'd post some pictures. It's been awhile. Also, if anyone in Sweden has access to AftonBladet Plus, I would appreciate it if you can leave a comment, email me or contact me on Facebook. There's an online article I would like to post on the blog but do not have access to.

Henrik Lundqvist Could Have Been on "Million Dollar Listing"

2013-06-05T04:21:00.001-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist, who had to change into a different Calvin Klein tuxedo at the last minute because the pants were too tight—hockey players develop big legs—loves the show Million Dollar Listing. “Actually, they asked me a couple years ago if I wanted to sell my apartment and include them in the show,” Lundqvist said. He turned them down.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2013/06/andy-cohen-almost-wore-beyonce-s-nipple-dress-while-hosting-the-cfdas_slideshow_item9_10

I love that show as well. Maybe Henrik is friends with Fredrik Eklund? If so, he should make a cameo one day.

Henrik Lundqvist at 2013 CFDA Fashion Awards at Lincoln Center Pictures

2013-06-04T21:19:00.000-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist Truly is the Most Valuable Ranger

2013-06-04T04:09:00.000-04:00

Lundqvist’s Value

After Henrik Lundqvist said Monday, “I’m going to talk to my agent — we’ll see,” in response to a question about his interest in signing a contract extension this summer, it was later interpreted as a swipe at the soon-to-be-departing John Tortorella, even though the coach was not mentioned in the question.

More likely, and more worrisome for the Rangers, Lundqvist was signaling that he intends to negotiate hard during the last year of his contract. What he said was a far cry from what Pavel Datsyuk, facing the same situation in Detroit, said Friday: “I look forward to playing here for many years to come.”

The Rangers should probably be prepared to give Lundqvist what he wants, because he is a franchise player — perhaps even more important to his club than Alex Ovechkin in Washington or Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh.

Lundqvist’s average salary, $6.875 million, is the 23rd highest in the N.H.L. But he has a strong argument to demand something in the neighborhood of Ovechkin’s league-high $9.538 million average, or the $8.7 million average, the next highest salaries, of Crosby and Malkin.

Consider where the Rangers would have been if, in each of Lundqvist’s eight seasons with the club, his save percentage were replaced by the N.H.L.’s average.

This season, replacing Lundqvist’s .926 percentage with a goalie at the N.H.L. average of .912, the Rangers would have given up 17 more goals. Assuming, conservatively, that two goals equal a point in the standings, Lundqvist’s absence would have cost the Rangers about eight points. And since they made the playoffs with only five points to spare, it is fair to assume they would have missed the playoffs altogether.

The Rangers made the playoffs in seven of Lundqvist’s eight seasons. But if Lundqvist were switched for an average goalie for that time, the Rangers would have allowed 162 more goals — and probably made the playoffs only twice.

Those are compelling numbers for Lundqvist and his agent, Don Meehan, to wield.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/sports/hockey/available-vociferous-coach-and-his-baggage.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=1&

Henrik Lundqvist To Appear On Swedish Radio Show This Summer

2013-05-30T00:03:00.002-04:00

I'm going to need some help from my Swedish readers to get this correct. From what I've been able to translate via Google, Henrik will be appearing on a Swedish radio program on July 10th. That just so happens to be Charlise Lundqvist's 1st birthday. I've added a Swedish interview with Henrik below. Can someone out there translate it for us so we can learn more about this radio program? Thank you in advance.

Henrik Lundqvist on their Summer program: "Everything has not been upward"

Hockey Goalie resident of New York, who in his radio program to talk about motivation and about winning and losing.

New York Rangers and Manhattan, his residence since 2005. Was last season, as other Swedish of all time, named the NHL's best goalie. Has been nominated for the four additional times. Took Olympic gold medal with the Tre Kronor in Turin in 2006 and has won two national championships with Frölunda. After all these years playing in the same team as his twin brother Joel were the two against each other for the first time in the encounter between the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers in 2006. It was the first time in NHL history that a pair of twins who met outfield player and goalkeeper. Playing guitar in a cover band and has been named Sweden's best dressed man.
- From sandbox at nursery in Åre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In my summer program, I will talk about my motivation, to succeed and achieve my dreams but also how it feels to lose in a world where everything is about winning.

Lyssna: Henrik Lundqvist: "Det har hänt en del grejer på vägen" It will be interesting. We'll see if anyone is listening. It will be fun to talk about the journey that I have made. Grew up in Åre and started playing hockey in a sandbox in kindergarten and now play at Madison Square Garden in New York, says Henrik Lundqvist. Wednesday, July 10 at 13:00 it's time for the NHL pro to speak out on Swedish Radio P1. Lundqvist has played in the NHL's New York Rangers since the season 2005/2006 and was a member of the Swedish national team that won Olympic gold in Turin in 2006. Last season, he was named the NHL's best goalie. - There have been some stuff on the road, even things that have been heavier. Everything has not been up the whole time. Hopefully, people think it's an interesting program. Will you reveal any secrets? - It remains to be seen. Besides Lundqvist as is former Swedish national coach in football, Lars Lagerback, and sports journalist Johanna Frändén one of three summer jockey with sports profile. http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?artikel=5545884&programid=2071 http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=2688&grupp=12254&artikel=5548829

Henrik Lundqvist Play With AJ MTV Canada Video Interview

2013-05-28T20:33:00.002-04:00

I know there's a lot of guys out there who admire and try to emulate Henrik's style; in this interview you can watch him put together a suit at the Tiger of Sweden store in Toronto. Henrik also talks to AJ about his band, fashion, which goalie he would chose to fight during a game and much more. Something interesting he revealed was that if he picks out a tie that doesn't work right with his suit for a game, he will feel like something's off and it will bother him. Also, we're still waiting on that sweats tweet....

Click here to view the full interview with Henrik

Henrik Lundqvist Break-Up Day Interview

2013-05-28T01:02:00.003-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game Video Interview

2013-05-25T23:26:00.000-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist stopped 29 of 31 shots faced, and is now 30-37 in 67 career playoff contests. He finished the postseason with a 2.14 GAA, ranked fourth in the NHL with a .934 save percentage, and second in the league with two shutouts.

Mike Richter Thinks Henrik Lundqvist is Better Than Him

2013-05-25T01:42:00.000-04:00

Mike Richter vs. Henrik Lundqvist. It's a debate Rangers fans have been having for years now and they will continue to have it for many years to come.

A few weeks ago former Rangers goalie Mike Richter was a guest on The Michael Kay Show and Don La Greca put him on the spot by straight up asking him if Henrik Lundqvist is a better player than he was. Mike said he thinks Henrik is better. Click on the link below to listen to the full interview and hear Mike explain his answer.

Click here to listen to the full interview

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Practice Video Interview

2013-05-24T23:04:00.001-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game Video Interview

2013-05-24T00:25:00.001-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist made 37 saves to post his 30th career playoff victory, and improved to 30-36 in 66 career postseason contests. He improved to 5-0 with a 0.98 goals against average, .966 save percentage, and two shutouts in the last five playoff games at MSG in which the Rangers faced elimination. Lundqvist has posted 30 or more saves in the playoffs 21 times, posting a 10-11 record with a 1.61 GAA, .951 Sv% and four shutouts in those games.

Henrik Lundqvist's Shoulder Issue is Under Control

2013-05-20T23:30:00.001-04:00

GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist attempted to put to rest any fear that an injury to his left shoulder is something that potentially could hurt his chances of playing in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, RDS). "It's under control," Lundqvist said after practice Monday. "I landed on the ice awkwardly and it hurt a little bit. It's under control." Lundqvist appeared to hurt himself after extending his left arm to cover the puck just above the slot with 4:52 remaining in the third period of Game 2 at TD Garden on Sunday. He needed some extra time from the officials to gather himself and flex his arm a bit, but he stayed in the game and was on the ice for the entire practice Monday. He indicated that he didn't even think about sitting out practice. "Everybody is sore," Lundqvist said. "It's the playoffs; you can't just sit out if it's hurting a little bit. It happens and you just have to make sure you maintain and you do the right things to keep it good." http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=671405&print=true

Lundqvist Robs Jagr 5/19/13

2013-05-19T18:49:00.002-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game Video Interview

2013-05-19T18:43:00.002-04:00

Watch Henrik Lundqvist Receive the Broadway Hat After Game 6 of the Washington Series

2013-05-18T23:11:00.001-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Practice Video Interview

2013-05-18T22:59:00.000-04:00

Watch Henrik Lundqvist Give Ryan McDonagh the Broadway Hat After Game 7 in Washington

2013-05-18T19:13:00.000-04:00

Henrik Lundqvist Talks Fatherhood in New Video Interview

2013-05-17T18:50:00.000-04:00

NY1 parenting correspondent Shelley Goldberg sat down with New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to talk about being a father.
Yes, he's the king. And now, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has a new role to play: as dad to 10-month old daughter Charlise.

"I was a little nervous going into it. You're not sure how much it's going to change your life, and it's a big responsibility, obviously, to take care of a little baby," Lundqvist says. "The first couple months, it was hard to kind of connect a little bit, but then, there was this day when she started looking at you, and then a couple weeks later, she starts turning around. And when she hears your voice, she knows you're there. And that was a big thing."

Another big change?

"Obviously, not getting the sleep that I'm used to getting. That's a new thing," he says.

Even though he reigns supreme as a Ranger, Lundqvist knows there's always room for improvement at home.

"I have to work on a lot of things. That's true. My patience, and I think I'm, especially during the season, I'm more stressed than offseason. To have, it's easy for me to be relaxed and understand that things, things won't go perfectly all the time with a little kid, and that's easier for me to handle when I'm not under pressure," he says. "A little more patience would not hurt for me, that's for sure."

Ultimately, for Lundqvist, the goal is to find balance on and off the ice.

"Maybe I grew up a little bit having this baby, but you have, I think it changes your priorities a little bit," he says. "I don't want it to be too much hockey. I don't want it to be too much off-ice stuff, either. Life is about finding that balance where you just feel comfortable and happy, and that's when you're going to perform the best as well on the ice."

Click here to view the interview on NY1.com (It doesn't allow embedding)

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game Video Interview

2013-05-17T01:55:00.003-04:00

Sean Avery May Have Helped Henrik Lundqvist Plan For Fatherhood; Reveals They've Invested in a Social Media Venture Together

2013-05-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

Talk about the ultimate male-bonding moment between two professional hockey players.
Former Rangers winger Sean Avery says that when it comes to pressure situations, there was nothing quite like the conversation he had with then teammate Henrik Lundqvist prior to a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

“There were many conversations where the two of us would talk about him being a father. There was fear attached to that like I think there is with many men," says Avery with a laugh. "I don't know if this is too much information, but the question becomes when to have the baby. With sports, the schedule is a big thing.
"It's an interesting conversation for two 30-year-old men to be having in Carolina the night before a game over dinner — when Hank should try to plan his fatherhood."

Avery says fatherhood has been nothing but a good thing for the 31-year-old Lundqvist, a new chapter that balances the goalie's uber intense nature.
"Henrik's ability to focus is probably better than anybody I've ever seen," says Avery, who co-owns Tribeca restaurant and bar, Tiny's, with Lundqvist and calls the goalie one of his closest friends. "He has something that you can't really explain. It's not a level that a lot of people can identify with. It's actually unbelievable that somebody can be this focused. The tougher the game, the better he plays."

When Avery does visit with Lundqvist, they never talk hockey, as Avery updates him on business matters — besides the restaurant, both men are invested in social media venture called Twtmob (tweet mob).
"Henrik's also an entrepreneur. He's obviously involved in a restaurant with me, and he has probably more endorsements than a lot of hockey players," says Avery. "He's started becoming interested in investing in different companies and understanding them. Not only did he just write a check (for twtmob), like most athletes do, he started to learn and understand what the company actually did."
But Avery knows that Lundqvist has a lot of hockey still left in him, too, and hopes that a Stanley Cup title is in his friend's future.
"I'm definitely happy for him and he's been a close friend for a long time," says Avery. "I want to see him win, too. I don't think that he's going to be satisfied unless he gets a championship, no matter how many Vezinas he wins or how many times they chant his name at the Garden.
"They call him ‘The King,’ and it's extremely fitting. Other than the fact that he hasn't won a championship, I'd say he's definitely the best goalie I've ever seen."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/avery-pulling-hank-torts-article-1.1346409#ixzz2TVTuisdn

Henrik Lundqvist Post-Morning Skate Video Interview

2013-05-16T19:00:00.001-04:00

Lundqvist Ready To Face Former Teammate Jagr

2013-05-16T01:46:00.000-04:00

By ANTHONY RIEBER

GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Friend or foe? Turns out that for Henrik Lundqvist, one member of the Boston Bruins is both.

Lundqvist smiled Wednesday when asked about facing former Ranger Jaromir Jagr, who will be trying to score against the Rangers' red-hot goalie when the teams begin their Eastern Conference semifinal series Thursday night at TD Garden in Boston.
"Yeah, he's such a special player," Lundqvist said. "I'm happy I had the opportunity to play with him. It's a great memory to have when you look back. To have a chance to play with one of the best players to ever play the game, it was a lot of fun. Such a nice person, too."

Jagr, 41, played for the Rangers from 2003-'04 to 2007-'08. Lundqvist joined the team in 2005-'06, which also happened to be Jagr's best season on Broadway when he scored 54 goals and had 69 assists for 123 points.

After leaving the Rangers, Jagr spent three seasons playing in Russia before returning to the NHL with Philadelphia last season. He started this one with Dallas before getting dealt to Boston at the trade deadline.

In 11 regular-season games with the Bruins, Jagr had two goals and seven assists. He had four assists in Boston's first-round playoff victory over Toronto, including one on Patrice Bergeron's overtime series-ender in Game 7.
"I'm happy that he's back in the league," Lundqvist said. "It's going to be tough to face him. He's a great player. But I respect him a lot as a person and as a player."

Jagr, with his playoff beard showing more than a trace of white, praised Lundqvist Wednesday to reporters in Boston.
"He's just a good goalie," he said. "I've never studied the goalie position or been a goalie coach, so I don't know why he is good. But he's good because he is stopping the puck. I guess most of the pucks he stops."

He stopped all of them in the final two games of the Rangers' first-round victory over the Washington Capitals. Lundqvist's back-to-back shutouts in Games 6 and 7 earned the Rangers a trip to the second round.
Boston, after nearly blowing a 3-1 series lead to Toronto, rallied from a 4-1 third-period deficit in Game 7 and won the series in overtime.
Lundqvist was 2-1-0 against the Bruins this season. In his career, he is 21-7-2 with a 1.67 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage in 30 career games against them.
"It's very tough to score on him," Jagr said. "He doesn't make many mistakes. The way he goes, the team goes. And it's always been like that, even when I was there. He was the most important guy on that team."

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/lundqvist-ready-to-face-former-teammate-jaromir-jagr-1.5272096

Henrik Lundqvist Mad Dog Unleashed Radio Interview 5/14/13

2013-05-14T21:48:00.002-04:00