Hartnett: Rangers' Lundqvist Is Easily NHL's Quarter-Season MVP
By Sean Hartnett
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If there was ever any doubt that Henrik Lundqvist has been the best player in the NHL to this point, his performance in the Rangers' home win over the Nashville Predators on Monday was the clearest evidence.
Throughout the young season, the 16-3-2 Rangers have regularly been outshot and outpossessed. The 33-year-old Swede isn't just carrying the Blueshirts on his back -- he's lifting them to improbable heights given their defensive zone struggles, puck management issues and a never-ending parade to the penalty box.
Although the Rangers eventually secured a 3-0 victory, they were extremely fortunate to be leading at the second intermission. They had handed Nashville five power-play opportunities to that point. Through two periods, the Predators had outchanced the Rangers 62-21 and outshot the Blueshirts 25-7. The hosts ultimately found their game in the third period as Lundqvist put the finishing touches on a 31-save performance.
Time after time, Lundqvist has bailed out the Rangers and won them games they had no business winning. Through his first 17 games, he leads the NHL with a 1.74 goals-against average, a .946 save percentage, 523 saves, and is tied for the league lead with 12 victories. Over his last 11 games, the superlative Swede is 9-1-1 with a 1.52 GAA and a .953 SV percentage.
"He's been awesome," alternate captain Marc Staal said. "Absolutely. He's on another level right now. It's been absolutely huge for us to win games."
Center Derek Stepan admitted that the Rangers "started the game on their heels at little bit" and credited Lundqvist for "buying our group time to play a better hockey game." The 25-year-old alternate captain was asked about Lundqvist's Hart Trophy credentials at the quarter point of the season.
"I think he plays like that every year," Stepan said. "I don't think this year's any different. There's been a lot of talk about his start, but he's been phenomenal since I've got here. You look around the league and you see some guys putting up huge offensive numbers and playing some great hockey. It's no different what Hank's doing for our team."
Dallas' Jamie Benn leads the NHL with 14 goals and the Stars sit in first-place in the Western Conference with 34 points. It should be noted that Benn has gotten plenty of support from teammates. Fellow Hart Trophy candidate Tyler Seguin has notched 30 points -- second-most in the league. Stars defenseman Johan Klingberg has been huge, recording 23 points in 21 games.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane is one behind Benn with 13 goals. He shares the league lead with 19 assists and leads the league in scoring with 32 points, though the 'Hawks are suffering from a Stanley Cup hangover as they sit fifth place in the Central Division.
Aside from 21-point winger Mats Zuccarello, there hasn't been a Rangers skater consistently playing at the top of their game. It's clear that Lundqvist is undeniably grabbing this team by the horns and taking it for a ride. The Blueshirts' 16 wins and 34 points are the most through the first 21 games of any season in franchise history.
"He's obviously making a difference," center Derick Brassard said. "There's a lot of good players around the league, a lot of guys are doing well. I think it's still early to talk about MVP or Vezina, but he's up there. Obviously, he's a big part of the last stretch we've had -- winning so many games."
No player in the league is more responsible for their team's position than Lundqvist. The Metropolitan Division-leading Blueshirts are even with the Montreal Canadiens atop the Eastern Conference despite having played one less game.
"King Henrik" isn't just playing at level far beyond rival goalies; he's having a start unlike any other in his splendid career.
Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey
