Bill Clement

Swedish rookie goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s unique blend of personality and talent has been the driving force behind the renaissance of sorts for the New York Rangers, a surprise team that will likely end its seven-year playoff drought this spring.

The Blueshirts have already surpassed their sorry 27-win season in 2003-04. And the 23-year-old Lundqvist has played a huge role, ranking among the league leaders in goals against average and save percentage. He's also the first Rangers’ rookie goaltender since Mike Richter to reach 20 wins.

That’s impressive, especially when you consider that many thought Lundqvist would spend his first NHL season as the team’s No. 2 goaltender behind veteran Kevin Weekes.

A quick study
I’ve been impressed by Lundqvist’s ability to adapt to the NHL’s faster style of play. Compared to Europe, the rinks are smaller, which generally lends itself to more body checking (and “traffic” in front of the goal), more shots and more rebounds. Lundqvist, referred to as “King Henrik” by some in the New York media, has good instincts and can anticipate where shots will come from. And he eats up rebounds.

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Lundqvist’s adjustment to the NHL game has been made easier by the expert tutelage of Benoit Allaire — the Rangers’ goalies’ coach who is widely considered as one of the world’s top mentors for netminders. Together, the two have been known to analyze video of each shot in a game.

Tame temperament
Lundqvist, a seventh-round draft pick in 2000, is a smiling, upbeat young man, and it appears his enjoyment of life seems to overshadow fear of failure. Obviously, that is a huge plus for any pro hockey goalie — but especially for a rookie in the New York City spotlight.

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Is there pressure on Lundqvist? I don’t think so. Why? Not much was expected from him before this season.

But it is hard to overlook the fact New York has been mired in a long postseason drought, and many are looking to the Swede to help break it. What’s more, the position has been akin to a revolving door as the organization has searched for Richter’s replacement.

Is Lundqvist that player?

Yes.