Career

Henrik Lundqvist played in nine games in the Swedish second tier before joining Frolunda's junior team. At the 2001 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship in Moscow, Russia, his play brought Sweden to a fourth place finish in the tournament. He played in 18 games in the league and led the team in minutes played by a goaltender. Lundqvist played for Frolunda and led them to their second straight Anton Cup. The game was held at the Stockholm Globe Arena. In December, Henrik was rated the sixth best European prospect by the The Hockey News., He was the only goaltender in their top ten list. In that same year, 2004, he was ranked seventh on a list of top goaltending prospects for the Rangers.

During the 2005 season, Lundqvist broke four Swedish national records. He had the lowest goals against average, highest save percentage, longest goalless streak and most shutouts in a season. He was named Best Swedish Player, Best Goaltender and was selected as the league's MVP by his fellow players. In 180 appearances with Frolunda he led them to four consecutive playoff appearances and won two titles in 2003 and 2005.

NEW YORK
On October 8, 2005, starting Rangers goaltender was injured and Lundqvist made his NHL debut. The game ended in an overtime loss to the Devils but he stopped 24 of 27 shots. His first career NHL win came just a few days later, ironically against the Devils. The Florida Panthers fell victim to Lundqvist's first shutout game on October 17th of that same year. He became the first rookie goaltender to record a shutout for the Rangers since John Vanbiesbrouck in 1985. Lundqvist also was the first Ranger rookie goaltender with 20 wins in a season since Mike Richter in 1990-1. Before the season was over, he had achieved 30 wins, breaking the rookie record for wins, putting him on his way to be among league leaders with many categories. Henrik was 5th in goals against average, 4th in save percentage, 11th in wins and tied for 16th in shutouts with two. Unfortunately, his playoff season was not as successful but he was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to to the NHL's best goaltender. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and won the 2005-06 Met-Life/Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. This is a New York Rangers team award.

Henrik and brother Joel are the third set of twins to play each other in an NHL game. On December 14, 2006, against the Dallas Stars, Henrik became the first goaltender to face his twin brother and the Rangers won the game. Henrik became the first Ranger goalie since Mike Richter to post a playoff shutout. He was also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and was tied for third place in balloting.

Henrik Lundqvist re-signed to a one year, $4.25 million contract with the Rangers during the offseason. On February 13, 2008 Lundqvist signed a contract for six years with the Rangers for $41.25 million. This made him the highest paid goaltender in the NHL on average over the length of his contract.

Henrik is the first Ranger goaltender since Eddie Giacomin in 1970-71 to record eight shutouts in a single season. He accomplished this on February 24th, 2008 and on March 6th he recorded his 30th win of the season.

INTERNATIONAL PLAY
Lundqvist has been a leader in international play and among goaltenders he is at the top of the list. He has played for Sweden in many tournaments and his most memorable performance occurred at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin where he led his native country to the gold medal over their fiercest rival, Finland. He also has led team Sweden as a goaltender to their first medal in inline hockey at the 2002 Inline Hockey World Championships.

[ henrik-lundqvist.com ]