Throughout Lundqvist's career, he has been notorious for being a notoriously subpar goaltender in December. The first game of the month this season made it seem like the curse may have been broken when he allowed two goals in a shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but since then, he has been atrocious, which has been his December M.O. ever since he has been in the league.
In three games since, Lundqvist has allowed 17 goals, which is a 5.66 goals against average. That is well below Lundqvist's 2.36 GAA (as of December 11) and it makes you wonder what is wrong with Henrik.
You wonder if Lundqvist may have a problem with Santa Clause or the holidays. No, I don't think that's it. I think the young goaltender is getting too comfortable. He knows the Rangers are in a good position in the East, and he is becoming too relaxed. He needs to get focused, because the Rangers need to set themselves up in a position to have favorable match ups in the playoffs. Also, play like this could lead to a letdown. We have seen bigger collapses. 2007 and 2008 New York Mets anybody?
The million dollar question seems to be this. What does Lundqvist need to get going?
Michael Ganci