Henrik Lundqvist Named NHL's Third Star of the Week

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During most weeks if a goaltender posts a 2-0-1 record, 0.32 goals-against average, .987 save percentage and two shutouts they would win the National Hockey Leauge’s first star of the week, but unfortunately for Henrik Lundqvist this week he will have to settle for third.  Ryan Miller who had a very similar week to Henrik but won all three of his starts as the Sabres continue their push for the playoffs and Corey Perry had an amazing offensive week for the Ducks.

Lundqvist play last week was critical to propelling the Rangers considering the offense only mustered three goals in the three games and yet still managed to get five critical points in the playoff race that not only has them much more comfortably inside, but now looking ahead in the standings.  The two shutouts brought Lundqvist season total up to a career-high eleven on the season and his primed to carry this team into the playoffs as a darkhorse to be reckoned with by whomever they draw.

Rangers To Open Season In Stockholm, Berlin or Helsinki?

For some time it has been presumed that the Rangers would open the 2011-12 season in Europe as they have been one of the originally six teams slated to go.  Last week it was reported that the idea of Russia had been taken off the table with the breakdown in negotiations between the NHL and KHL over the terms of the agreement.

According to Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com the Rangers are still likely to go overseas, but now the most likely destinations will be Stockholm, Helsinki or Berlin.  Making the trip to Europe has always made sense for the Rangers in terms of opening next season due to the renovations that are being done at Madison Square Garden that will leave home ice unavailable throughout the preseason and likely the end of October. 

For obvious reasons I am sure both Henrik Lundqvist and Rangers’ fans would prefer the season start in Stockholm.  The other teams in the now four team discussions for the start of the year in Europe are Buffalo, Los Angeles. Anaheim.