Shooters Have Figured Out New York Rangers Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist
By Steven Carollo
@metalsportsfan
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
During last night’s game between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes in North Carolina, when the score was tied 1-1, Hurricanes’ Jeff Skinner drew a penalty shot. Now in years past, Rangers’ fans would not even bat an eye, as goaltender Henrik Lundqvist throughout his career has been one of the best in the shootout, meaning he is normally great at stopping a shooter in a one-on-one battle. This year, however, that has not been the case at all.
In shootouts this season, Lundqvist has been average at best and on penalty shots, Lundqvist was 0-3 on the season leading up to the Skinner penalty shot. Well, afterward Lundqvist dropped to 0-4 on the season and the Rangers went down 2-1 in the game with less than 10 minutes left in the third period. Fortunately for Lundqvist, the Rangers were able to bail him out and score three unanswered goals late in the third period leading to a 4-2 Rangers win; but that is besides the point, because this is all about Lundqvist.
When analyzing Lundqvist’s game this season, he is having the worst season of his career with a .914 save percentage and a 2.55 goals against average. Those stats may be fine for other goaltenders, but for one of the best netminders in the league over the past decade, that is just unacceptable.
Not only is Lundqvist’s save percentage lower and his goals against average higher, but like I mentioned before, the once best goaltender on penalty shots and shootouts is a shell of his former self. But there is a simple fix for this and I hope that the Rangers’ coaches and Lundqvist himself have realized why he is struggling so mightily on penalty shots and shootouts this season.
If you notice, every shooter now seems to just skate in and fire a wrist shot high-glove side and score on Lundqvist. No longer are shooters deking and trying to put the puck around Lundqvist’s pads. Shooters have figured out Lundqvist’s major weakness and it is not that he has a bad glove hand, because he has made some fantastic glove saves over the years. What Lundqvist’s weakness is can be seen in how he positions himself during penalty shots and shootouts. Lundqvist is very deep in his net and the deeper you are in the crease, the more susceptible you are to quick wrist shots.
Rangers’ coaches and Lundqvist have to realize this problem right away. Lundqvist is going to have to keep shooters on their toes by being out on top of his crease to cut down on angles every now and then, because right now, every shooter has figured Lundqvist out and it seems as if literally any player in the NHL can score on him one-on-one.
Steven Carollo is a New York Rangers and sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, add him on Facebook, connect with him on LinkedIn, and join his Google network.
Related Links:
New York Rangers’ Tremendous Third-Period Earns Big Win
Who Will Be The Next New York Rangers Captain?
Trevor Lewis' Contributions Helping Kings
With a plethora of depth players such as Trevor Lewis stepping up, the Los Angeles Kings have returned to their winning ways. Read More
Top 5 Players Oilers Must Obtain At Deadline
As the Edmonton Oilers begin yet another rebuilding process, here are five players they should target at the trade deadline. Read More
Rangers Have Key Forwards To Re-sign Next Year
It's hard to think about the offseason and expiring contracts in the midst of a playoff push, but the New York Rangers must think about re-signing some key forwards. Read More
Kings Shouldn't Fret Over Not Landing Kane
With Evander Kane going to the Buffalo Sabres, the Los Angeles Kings should not be concerned about not landing the winger via trade. Read More
Evander Kane is Player to Build Around in Buffalo
The Buffalo Sabres landed a building block for the future in Evander Kane. Read More
Rangers Need to Give Mackenzie Skapski A Look
Before the New York Rangers panic and attempt to trade for a veteran backup goaltender, it's wise for them to give 20-year-old prospect Mackenzie Skapski a look. Read More
5 Biggest Underachievers For L.A. Kings
As the Los Angeles Kings fall in the standings, these five players hold much of the blame for their abysmal play of late. Read More
Top 5 Captains In Maple Leafs History
The storied history of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs includes 13 Stanley Cups and possibly the most loyal fanbase in all North American sports. Here are the top five captains in the team's history. Read More
5 Players Winnipeg Jets Should Target
As the Winnipeg Jets look for their first playoff berth since returning to Winnipeg, here are five players they should target. Read More
NHL Power Rankings for Week 18
Here are the NHL power rankings through 18 weeks of the 2014-15 season. Read More
Rangers Must Halt Losing Skid vs. Maple Leafs
The New York Rangers have lost two straight, and while that might not seem like a lot, they need to get back in the win column on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Read More
Rangers Need St. Louis To Snap Out of Slump
The New York Rangers can survive Henrik Lundqvist's injury but they can only do that if players like Martin St. Louis snap out of slumps. Read More