Henrik Lundqvist is not a youngster anymore.
At 36 years old, it is more important than ever to control his number of starts. The Rangers should not overwork him before the games become more meaningful.
That did not happen this season, as Lundqvist played in 63 games. That is the second highest appearance total he’s had in a season since the 2011-12 season.
The injury to backup goaltender Ondrej Pavalec was a factor in that, but the Rangers shouldn’t have been put in that situation.
The Rangers had a strong backup goaltender in Antti Raanta.