CHICAGO — In a surprising move that underscores the state of Henrik Lundqvist’s recent play, Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault has chosen backup Antti Raanta to start Friday’s game against the Blackhawks, the second of this road back-to-back.
“I understand, but at the same time, you always want to play,” Lundqvist said after skating with the spares at United Center this morning. “It’s up to me to raise my game.”
Lundqvist (12-8-1, 2.55 goals-against-average, .912 save percentage) learned about the decision after the 2-1 win in Winnipeg on Thursday, in which Raanta made 17 saves.
“Antti’s been playing well,” Lundqvist said.