We all know the Capitals have the most dynamic offense in the NHL. That's not the point. Right now, Lundqvist is making himself small in the net. He is doing this primarily by playing very deep in his crease, which voluntarily cedes territory to the Mike Knubles and Ryan Smyths of the world who try to screen him. The area just in front of the crease must be protected not only by the defensemen, but by the goaltender. The goaltender does this by pressing up against the screening forwards. This does two things: One, it gives the fowards less room to maneuver as they attempt to keep their sticks free. Two, it increases the chances of stopping the shot if it is redirected, because there is less space available for the puck to change direction between the stick and the goaltender. The way Hank is playing now, we will continue to see "hope for the best" shots from the point finding holes in his armor.
His deep stance also amplifies his weak glove hand. From the Kings' first goal last night to the Capitals first goal tonight, Hank was beaten three times in a row on shots to the high glove. As long as he plays back in his net - a timid way to play if you ask me - those kind of shots will keep going in. If you drop to your knees as often as he does, you MUST aggresively cut down the angle.
By the time the Rangers lost to the Penguins 3-2 early last week, it was clear that Hank had slipped into one of his trademark funks. He has yet to come out of it. Until he does, this deeply flawed Ranger team will continue to lose games.
Henrik Lundqvist is on his way to becoming the greatest goalie in Rangers history. He is - and always will be - The King. Unfortunately, there is no separation of powers in this monarchy. When Hank falters, the Rangers have no other backbone to pick up the slack. Hank is irreplaceable. This means that when Hank struggles, the team struggles too. Hank must therefore understand the pressure that is on his shoulders every night. His mistakes will be amplified. His off nights will result in defeat. Such is the burden of being a King.
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