There was a time in the late-90’s/early 2000’s that I really didn’t watch NHL hockey. It could have been because I was in college at the time and had more interest in playing than watching. It could have been because Glen Sather insisted on signing every over the hill, washed up veteran to a massive underperforming contract. Who’s to say, really? Either way, after lock-out II (I think? There are too many to keep track of now) I really only reengaged with the Rangers due to the emergence of Henrik Lundqvist.
Over the year next decade plus, Lundqvist was an absolute force in net, collecting Vezina nominations and bringing the club closer to the ultimate prize than any time since that fabled 1994 season.