Game 6 is on Henrik Lundqvist

The New York Rangers grabbed a 3-2 series lead on the Washington Capitals Monday night with a remarkable comeback victory that ended with an overtime goal by Marc Staal.

The Rangers have the series lead even though their All-Star goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, has not played up to his potential. Lundqvist has made some tremendous saves this series, like his glove save robbing Alexander Ovechkin's redirection, but he has also let in a few soft goals, and some fluke goals.

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In Game 2 Lundqvist misplayed a dump in off the boards and the puck went off of Ryan McDonagh and in. The Rangers lost the game 3-2.

In Game 4 Alexander Ovechkin ripped a shot from the high slot. Lundqvist had the shot go off of his glove and fall into the net behind him. Later that game, in the third period, Mike Green took a shot from the point that slipped through Lundqvist's legs and into the net for the game winner. Lundqvist was not screened on either of these shots,but he could not stop them. The Rangers lost the game 3-2.


All season Henrik Lundqvist has bailed the Rangers out of games with great performances highlighted with great saves. Unfortunately, Lundqvist has also been prone to soft goals that he should have stopped. In the playoffs, there is no room for soft goals.

If the Rangers are going to take this series from the Capitals, Lundqvist is going to have to be a stonewall in net. The Capitals are going to come out with desperation right away, and will be throwing as many pucks as they can at Lundqvist. It will be up to Lundqvist to keep his focus, make the saves, and give his team a chance to win.

The Rangers and Caps play tonight at 7:30 pm at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C