Cross posted at The Bleacher Report.
During Mike Richter's bouts with concussions and following his eventual retirement in 2003, the Rangers suffered through sub par goaltending from the likes of Kirk McLean, Guy Herbert and Mike Dunham.
That is until the 2005-2006 season, when a seventh round draft choice named Henrik Lundqvist took Broadway by storm. During his first three seasons in New York, Lundqvist has brought much needed stability in goal, while accomplishing numerous personal achievements including a Vezina Trophy nomination each year.
However, despite his career 2.27 gaa, .917 save percentage and 17 shutouts, Lundqvist has suffered long stretches of average to below average play in all three seasons.
In 2005-2006, Lundqvist came back from the Olympic break to post a 5-5-3 record, including 0-3 with a 4.40 gaa and .835 save percentage in the playoffs.
In 2006-2007, Lundqvist started the season 5-5, with a 3.57 gaa and a .878 save percentage. And finally last year, Lundqvist went through a stretch from mid-December to mid-February going 10-10-4, with a .889 save percentage. Not good.
A logical explanation for those struggles is Lundqvist's work load, which has increased each year peaking with 72 starts in the Rangers 82 games last year. That's almost 90 percent!!!
Now Lundqvist supporters will note that he faded down the stretch in 2006 because of the wear and tear from the Olympics and last year he struggled with a large contract and his father's health hanging over his head. All valid excuses.
However, in my opinion, he would have been better physically and mentally prepared to deal with those factors if he had more rest throughout the season.
Last year, Lundqvist's back-up Steve Valiquette more than proved he could fill-in by posting a 5-3-3 record, with a 2.19 gaa, .916 save percentage and two shutouts.
With the new schedule structure, the Rangers play the Flyers, who Valiquette dominated last year, six times. Valiquette should get four of those games. They play the Maple Leafs in Toronto twice, where Valiquette has a proven success record.
The new schedule also gives the Rangers a chance to play the bottom teams in the West including the Kings, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Blues. All games Valiquette should be starting.
Throw in a couple of games against the lesser teams in the East and the second game of back-to-backs and Valiquette will have a nice little workload of about 20 starts.
By having 20 games to not only rest his body, but also his mind, Lundqvist is going to be better equipped to persevere through the grueling season, leading to more wins for the Rangers. Thoughts?
7 comments:
Mary Brodour, since the 94-95 thru last season averages 73 games a season, and is one of the best if not the best goalie in the NHL.
I think lundqvist can and should play nothing less than 70 games in the regular season.
Coming back from the Olympics and an injury that season, not to mention being a rookie, hurt his numbers down the stretch.
Last season, with his dad possible on his death bed and a tough contract negotiation, definetly had to bother him last year...Its no surprise that once his dad was in the clear and his contract inked, his played improved.
While Valiquette had some wins in important games last year against Philly, does not mean he will duplicate it again next year. I would be a little more cautious in putting Valiquette in net unless absolutely necessary. He needs to prove himself more at the NHL level to get more ice time.
Until Lundqvist can prove he can handle 73 games the way Brodeur can, I would be giving him 65 starts maximum.
I agree Strongly with the opening Statement. Stephen is a capable goaltender and lets not forget that it is tough on him, not playing on a regular basis. Give him 20 games as mentioned and I think he'll stand tall.
Lenny in CT
Valiquette is a career minor leaguer, who last year peaked at 13 games. and only won 5 of those....and hardly ever looks sharp when in the net...lots of soft goals. I would be very worried if he had to play 20 games for us.
Lundquist has been a veznia finalist every year, out[layed MArty in the playoffs last year, and I believe has proved he can handle 73 games, while playing in front of a suspect defense, that include Malik
He's a capable goaltender? Give him 20 games? Come on. He's a a descent back-up. If he plays 20 games the Rangers are in trouble. How many starts did he get in the NHL before coming to the Rangers? He's lucky to be in the NHL. What makes you think he'll stand tall? Unless the Rangers run away with it and have first overall clinched in early March Valiquette shouldn't sniff 20 games. Even if it's hard on Stephen.
Last year, Lundqvist's back-up Steve Valiquette more than proved he could fill-in by posting a 5-3-3 record, with a 2.19 gaa, .916 save percentage and two shutouts.
With the new schedule structure, the Rangers play the Flyers, who Valiquette dominated last year, six times. Valiquette should get four of those games. They play the Maple Leafs in Toronto twice, where Valiquette has a proven success record.
What makes me think he'll stand tall? Read what I said. I agree with the opening statement,. Here it is again, Quote:
The new schedule also gives the Rangers a chance to play the bottom teams in the West including the Kings, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Blues. All games Valiquette should be starting.
Throw in a couple of games against the lesser teams in the East and the second game of back-to-backs and Valiquette will have a nice little workload of about 20 starts.
What is so unreasonable and far fetched about that? He can't prove himself anymore without what?.........more starts.....so...
I think it's a valid point that he can handle those teams, as it looks right now. As you know, anything can change but it Hank needs rest, it seems like a good plan
Lenny
Yeah Fleisch14, How you like me now?
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