Henrik Lundqvist posts message after Hall of Fame induction - "The game of hockey has given me so much"

Modified Jun 22, 2023 05:19 GMT

Henrik Lundqvist, the former legendary goaltender for the New York Rangers, took to Instagram to share his joy after being included in the Hockey Hall of Fame. In a heartfelt Instagram story, Lundqvist expressed gratitude and reflected on the honor of being part of such a prestigious group of players.

In his Instagram Story, Lundqvist wrote,

"The game of hockey has given me so much"

The message conveyed his appreciation for the sport and the players who had influenced his career.

It was a significant moment for the goaltender, who had already experienced the retirement of his jersey, No. 30, in the rafters of Madison Square Garden.

He shared his excitement about being included in the Hockey Hall of Fame and reflected on the great players who inspired him as a child. Lundqvist's induction into the Hall of Fame solidifies his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

Hall of Fame Henrik Lundqvist Reign

Lundqvist, affectionately known as "King Henrik," enjoyed an illustrious career as the goaltender for the New York Rangers. The Swedish-born netminder made his mark on the team and solidified his place in Rangers history when they retired his No. 30 jersey on January 28, 2021, making him the 11th player in franchise history to receive such an honor.

Lundqvist's success was evident from the start. After being drafted by the Rangers in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft, he honed his skills in the Swedish Junior League, winning the Honken Trophy three consecutive times from 2003 to 2005. His exceptional performance in the Swedish Hockey League during the 2004-05 season saw him set numerous records, including lowest playoff goals-against average, highest save percentage, most single-season shutouts, and longest shutout streak.

Making his NHL debut in the 2005-06 season, Lundqvist quickly established himself as one of the league's premier goaltenders. He set a Rangers record for wins by a rookie, finishing his first season with 30 victories. Lundqvist's talent and consistency were evident as he became a Vezina Trophy finalist in each of his first three seasons and ranked among the top six goaltenders in Vezina voting for his first 10 seasons.

In the 2011-12 season, Lundqvist reached new heights, winning the Vezina Trophy and finishing third in the voting for the Hart Trophy as league MVP. He led the league in victories during the shortened 2012-13 season and continued to excel in pressure situations, setting an NHL record by winning six consecutive Game 7s.

After his tenure with the Rangers came to an end, Lundqvist signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals but was unable to play due to irregular heartbeat. He announced his retirement from professional hockey on August 20, 2021, concluding a remarkable 15-season career.