It’s Good to be King

It’s official! The Rangers have locked up their franchise goaltender for the foreseeable future.  The King has been given the royal treatment–6 years, $41.25 million.  You can view the official press release on the Rangers’ website.

Don’t be mistaken, this IS the right move.  I know, Lundy hasn’t been himself for a couple of months now, but we’ve seen what he can do for the better part of three years and he is a top goalie in this league.

And who knows?  Maybe this contract situation was weighing on the King more than anyone thought.  Maybe the pressure to play well while his future was being negotiated took a toll on Lundy.  Hopefully with this now out of the way and with his father recovering well, Henrik can get back down to business and lead this team where it wants to go.

My guess–and I know Inferno will kill me on this if it doesn’t happen–is that the Lundqvist we all know and love will make a return for the final two months of the season.   Not only are all the distractions behind him, but he’s had over a week off to settle down and get back on track.

Look for The King to be regal once again.

——————————————————————————————————————————–

In other news, it looks like Tom Renney may have finally taken Eric and my advice.  According to Blue Notes, Rangers Report, and The Blueshirts Blog, it looks as though Marcel Hossa has taken Ryan Hollweg’s spot on the fourth line.

 My reaction: HALLELUJAH!

Also in those reports:

• Shanny’s back and feeling good.
• Marc Staal (flu) and Petr Prucha (shoulder) are doubtful for the Buffalo game on Saturday
• The lines have been re-shuffled…again.  Dubi will center Jags and Avery, Shanahan and Dawes will flank Gomez, and the suddenly scorching Drury will play with Straka and Callahan.  I like these lines a lot for a couple reasons.  First of all, we’ve seen how Dubinsky’s puck possession style complements that of Jagr’s and with how well the youngster’s played of late, he deserves another shot to center the captain.  Secondly, Gomez and Shanahan were on fire before Shanny got hurt, and Dawes can keep up with Gomez while Shanahan get’s into position.

 Just two more days until the Rangers get back at it.  Big game against the surging Sabres who are now 8-0-2 in their last 10.