Swedish King Rules D.C.

Nick Perretti

Henrik Lundqvist has shown Capitals fans why in New York they call him 'King.' Photo by Nick PerrettiIn the nation's capital, Swedish goalie Henrik Lundqvist showed the Capitals why he is called 'King.'

Lundqvist, an all-star goalie, has been nominated for the Vezina Trophy for the past 3 years.  He was won 30 games in each of his first 4-seasons in the NHL, something no other goalie has ever done.  However Lundqvist hardly gets the name recognition of goalies such as Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo and Chris Osgood.  No fault of Lundqvist-over the past 3 years, the Rangers have had rollercoaster-like seasons and have never been a dominant force from start to finish.

Reading the newspaper a 7th-seeded New York Ranger team, doesn't look that impressive--How can they have an all-star goalie and be at the bottom of the playoff tree? Those not familiar with New York Ranger Hockey may not realize the long Swedish name on the back  of the goalie's jersey is actually one of the premier goaltenders in the NHL.  King Henrik quickly made it clear to the Capitals fans why he is King.

Selected 205th overall in the 2000 NHL draft, any team had an opportunity to draft Lundqvist, even the Capitals.

Could you imagine a Capitals team anchored by a goaltender the calibur of Lundqvist?  I imagine the word "dynasty."  And to think this all could have happened.

Early this year, when things were going good, it wasn't a question of can the Capitals win a Stanley cup, it was "How many?"  In the first 2 games of the playoffs, Capitals fans have seen, that in the playoffs, a team is only as good as their goalie.  Unfortunately they have learned this the hard way.