With Nicklas Lidstrom retired, Henrik Lundqvist may very well have inherited the title of “Perfect Hockey Human.” Perhaps that’s why so many people enjoy his rare moments of vulnerability.
Thursday wasn’t about Lundqvist allowing an unusual soft goal, though. In tonight’s case, Lundqvist lost his cool against the Pittsburgh Penguins, eventually getting pulled from the net.
Really, it might have come down to New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault wanting to protect said nets:
You mad bro? pic.twitter.com/SzGIETehB5
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 4, 2016
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Update: In less amusing news, Lundqvist got the early hook in part because of an injury. On the bright side, it doesn’t appear to be serious.
Vigneault said Lundqvist's neck was spasming. Said he doesn't think it's serious. #NYR
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) March 4, 2016
The Penguins ended up beating the Rangers 4-1.
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In case the text of that Tweet didn’t make it clear, the Penguins seem to enjoy King Henrik’s little meltdown.
Hornqvist redirects one past Lundqvist. As if he wasn't angry enough already... Replay: https://t.co/Zd8SXjCyke pic.twitter.com/W0XKDTPV5T
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 4, 2016
One can only imagine the locker room damage (hide the Gatorade cooler):
Lundqvist is not sitting on the bench to start the third. He might be going through a "cooling-down" period.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) March 4, 2016
Oh, and the jokes. So many jokes.
My guess is Lundqvist needed a Snickers.
— Jenn Menendez (@JennMenendez) March 4, 2016
Yes, a rare sight, although Lundqvist getting the early shower is a discouragingly common thing this season:
Games where #NYRangers Henrik Lundqvist has been pulled
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 4, 2016
2015-16 season: 4
Previous 4 seasons combined: 4
Related: Marc-Andre Fleury describes Lundqvist’s actions as “baby stuff.”