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Henrik Lundqvist’s excitement for new season bubbling over

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers - Game Four

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Goalie Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers adjusts his mask against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Henrik Lundqvist is the man who holds it together in Manhattan for the New York Rangers. He’s their top goalie and he’s one of the best in the NHL. While the Rangers have had their struggles in recent years in making it to the playoffs or just missing out, they’d be going nowhere without Lundqvist holding things down.

Lundqvist got his new season off to an early beginning getting to play the first 30+ minutes of the Rangers’ preseason opening 2-1 overtime loss to the Devils. Lundqvist stopped 17 of 18 shots during the first half of the game and for him, it was the exact kind of welcome back to real game action he was looking for.

“I think it’s good I get out there right away and start working on my game and timing and focus. It’s one thing to practice on your skill and technique but to play the game it’s a lot of mental approach and how you focus for the game. It’s good to get out there right away and start working and it’s fun,” Lundqvist said. “I missed the game.”

Wait, even a preseason game is exciting? Is it more fun than the stressful regular season?

“No... It’s more fun in the regular season. The excitement, the feel, the pressure... You’re nervous and anxious. You see how fun the game is. I love the game. It feels great to be back... But when it really starts is when the real fun begins.”

The Rangers kick off their season in Europe for the NHL Premiere series in Prague, Czech Republic and Gothenberg, Sweden and for Lundqvist, it’s a trip he’s eager to make with the team.

“I’m really excited about that trip. Starting off in Prague and then to Gothenberg to play my old team and get to play against my twin brother. I’m excited to bring this team there and show them Sweden a little bit. I’m real excited about that.”

With the Rangers heading into what could be a very big season for them, Lundqvist is excited by everything that lies ahead for the team. From the additions of guys like Brad Richards and Mike Rupp as well as seeing a lot of the same guys come back from last season, he’s encouraged by where the Rangers are headed.

The work Rangers GM Glen Sather did in the offseason was to not radically change things up. Retaining restricted free agents Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, and Michael Sauer helped keep a strong group of guys in tact. In past seasons, the Rangers would drastically change the landscape of the team by signing many big names while foregoing how they develop players.

By retaining their youthful group of players and continuing to develop more of them, the Rangers are building from within rather than taking chances with high-priced stars. That’s an effort Lundqvist seems to be in full support of.

“You know, I looked around a couple weeks ago and it was fun to recognize so many guys. I think the management did a great job to re-sign a lot of the guys. We have a good corps, a good group here,” Lundqvist said. “We’ve got an interesting group and I think everyone is excited to start playing and see what we can do as a group.”

With the Rangers’ kids growing up and experienced vets like Rupp and Richards helping fill out ranks, all Lundqvist might have to be is his usual brilliant self to help get the Rangers deeper into the playoffs. After all, Lundqvist seems more than eager to bring on the pressure and fun that is the playoffs.