TORONTO — Here was Henrik Lundqvist in his element, just as surely as he will be on Monday when the 41-year-old Swede is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
For here was The King back on the ice, in full regalia, competing for the first time since his fianal NHL appearance that came on this very rink in Game 2 of the 2020 preliminary round against Carolina in the bubble tournament.
And here was the 41-year-old Swede pitching a 20-minute (running time) shutout before going 6-for-6 in the shootout to elevate his side to a 4-3 victory, having entered the match with a 3-0 deficit.
One thousand one hundred and ninety-six days later.
Franchise goaltender then, franchise goaltender now, franchise goaltender forever.
“I’m gifting my pads to the Hall with a 100 percent save percentage,” a quite satisfied Lundqvist said while wearing the HHOF blazer with which he was presented before the opening faceoff. “I didn’t want to give one up.
“To finish off the shootout stopping [Peter] Forsberg, who I grew up watching when I was a kid, what can you say? I’m enjoying all of it.”
On Friday, Lundqvist and the remainder of the 2023 Class that includes Mike Vernon, Tom Barrasso, Pierre Turgeon, Caroline Oulette, Ken Hitchcock and the late Pierre Lacroix, received their HHOF rings.
Saturday, the Class participated in fan forum that included a notable number of folks wearing Lundqvist’s Rangers jersey.
“One of the things that made my journey in New York so special was the support of the fans,” he said. “To walk into the hotel [ballroom] and see all the Lundqvist jerseys was something I really appreciated.”
And on Sunday, there was the presentation of the blazer before the miracle on ice of Lundqvist between the pipes, two years and 10 months after undergoing open-heart surgery.
“The pace was not high,” Lundqvist said. “My heart rate was low. My doctors will be very happy.”
Lundqvist was so in his element that he said he would like to play a bit more in these types of legends, alumni or charity affairs. It felt right.
“Getting on the ice last week for the first time since my retirement, the simplicity of it, I miss that feeling,” the Swede said. “Four weeks ago, I would have said no to playing in more games, but there might be a couple of games here and there.
“It’s so much fun to compete. The one-on-one, that’s what I craved throughout my career.”
Adam Graves played in this match and, in doing so, became the second Ranger to play with both Lundqvist and Mike Richter. Darius Kasparaitis had held that distinction alone until this one.
“I’ll tell you what both of them had in common: They both made up for my defensive deficiencies,” said the Rangers’ No. 9. “Watching Hank work with his pads, the angles, the way he was holding his glove, it was a privilege watching him for 15 years.
“Every game he was in net, you felt the Rangers had a chance to win. He represented consistency at the highest level. He was a difference-maker.
“And not only was he a great goaltender, but what he did for New York, his commitment to the community, he exudes class,” Graves said. “He’s a special guy.”
The Rangers are sending a delegation including president-general manager Chris Drury, senior adviser Glen Sather, goaltending coach Benoit Allaire and Graves to the induction ceremony. Lundqvist has shared the weekend with friends and family including his wife Therese and the couple’s two daughters, Charlise and Juli.
“I couldn’t be happier for Therese and the girls,” said Graves, who noted the difference for him between then and now is that “I carry my own bag and pay to play … and happily.”
There were no fans allowed during the 2020 bubble tournament. There were fans in the building on Sunday. Yes, not quite so loud as back at the Garden, but there were those chants of “Hen-rik! Hen-rik!” as he left ice.
“It’s just been an incredible weekend, an incredible time here,” Lundqvist said. “To reflect on anything, to see the names in the Hall and then on the ice for this, meeting all the legends …
“You feel happier and happier. When you let it sink in, every day gets better.”
These are the days of Lundqvist’s Hall of Fame life.
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