Yet again, the King reigns supreme

By Larry Brooks

http://nypost.com/sports/

May 12, 2014

Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers makes a glove save as Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins crashes the net in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 11, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)

On the final Saturday of the regular season, Henrik Lundqvist was asked about his 30-37 career playoff record and the perception that maybe, just maybe, he would have something to prove in this year’s tournament.
The King of The Castle bristled, pointing out how hockey is not an individual sport like golf or tennis.

“I don’t feel I have to prove I can play in the playoffs,” Lundqvist told The Post that morning. “Absolutely not.”

What Lundqvist has proven through this postseason is that if this were tennis or golf, he would be working toward a Grand Slam. What Lundqvist has proven is that there are few goaltenders his equal when it comes to big game goaltending, even if he has not yet hoisted the chalice.

For yet again on Sunday, in a Garden that was rocking and in full-throated support of the Rangers from the moment the puck dropped on what became a testy, bitterly contested Game 6, Lundqvist refused to lose just as his teammates refused to go gently into the summer’s night.

“You know, I was thinking about our situation and what the next couple of days will be like, and I thought to myself, ‘We have Henrik,’ ” Derick Brassard, who scored the final goal in the Blueshirts’ 3-1 victory over the Penguins that sends this Eastern semifinal to Pittsburgh for Game 7 on Tuesday, told The Post.

“There is no better feeling than having this guy behind you.”

There is little doubt that the death of Martin St. Louis’ mother has galvanized the Rangers into playing the kind of hockey of which they are capable, and for the first time, really, in the playoffs. For the second time in franchise history and first time since 1939, the Blueshirts have forced a Game 7 when trailing in a series 3-1.

Seventy-five years after losing that Game 7 to the Bruins in triple overtime, the Rangers have given themselves a chance to make history.

“It was amazing to go out there and win this game but at the same time, we are tied in the series, so that doesn’t let you get too excited,” said Lundqvist, who made 36 saves. “It’s a fun and exciting feeling when you play at home in a must-win and as a team you play that well together.

“It’s a great feeling. It feels like we will do whatever it takes.”

Tuesday will mark the Rangers’ fourth potential elimination game this spring. They’re 3-0 thus far, defeating the Flyers in Game 7 and then the Penguins in Games 5 and 6. It will mark the Blueshirts’ 12th potential elimination game in the last three years. They are 9-2 beginning with Game 6 in Ottawa in 2012.

They are 9-2 with their backs against the wall and Lundqvist is 9-2 standing on his head with a 1.35 goals-against average and .955 save percentage. The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in eight of those 11 matches.

“I’d have to imagine that record has a lot to do with Hank,” Boyle said, chuckling. “He’s in top form right now and that’s necessary for us.”

It was 2-1 in the second and the Penguins, who’d been coming since early in the first after falling behind 2-0 at 6:25, were threatening because the Rangers were on the power play. In on goal, alone, came Marcel Goc, who swept across the crease for a backhand, only to be robbed by the tip of Lundqvist’s glove. Goc didn’t realize he hadn’t scored, momentarily raising his arms in celebration.

That was at 5:40. At 9:50, with the Rangers on yet another power play, this time it was Brian Gibbons breaking in alone from the right side. Again Lundqvist made the stop, this time with his pad.

“I felt [Goc’s shot] just touch my glove,” Lundqvist said. “Then they had another one. Obviously we have to make sure that doesn’t happen next game; it would be tough to lose a series on a play like that.”

The Penguins have been hacking, whacking and running Lundqvist with impunity throughout the series, and blatantly so in Game 6. Sidney Crosby, Chris Kunitz and James Neal have been the biggest culprits. The Flyers — even Wayne Simmonds — could learn from these guys. Sunday, the Rangers and their goaltender became fed up with it.

When a skirmish ensued at the end of the second period near Lundqvist that was precipitated by Crosby jabbing Dominic Moore in the crown jewels, the goaltender appeared to empty his water bottle on No. 87 while skating away from the crease.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the King fibbed, a wide smile creasing his face.

The Blueshirts have a chance here, you bet they do, and it is more than a puncher’s chance. They have earned this. Tuesday night, Lundqvist and the Rangers against the Penguins in an ultimate team game.