The King Sits Alone

The King came to North American hockey back in 2004. Most pundits couldn't tell you if he would ever cross the ocean and play on NHL Soil. This is why, the king slipped to round 7.

On that glorious June day in 2000, Glen Sather ( who was no where to be found by then ) and his group of scouts ( underpaid, because, well.. the GM has to make 5 million a year ) choose upon a young swede goaltender named Henrik Lundqvist. Young and brash, the prince at the time, was making big waves in Swedish Hockey. He was quickly establishing himself as a world class netminder.

Due to the lockout of 03 ( Thanks Gary ), Hank stayed in Europe to play against some of the finest talent the world knows. This event gave Henrik the confidence he can come straight to NHL ponds and skate with these players. He knew all along he would play in the NHL, however, he did not want to ride the buses of the AHL to get there.

In 04, in which was a magical season on Broadway, Hank was splitting time with Kevin Weekes. Well, for the first week. It was on a October night, vs the Thrashers, that the King was born. Making one save after another, the King was showered with praise by the garden faithful.

HEN-RIK! HEN-RIK was born, and he delivered. Quickly becoming the most popular Ranger player amongst men and females. He produced results at an astonishing clip. So astonishing, it surprised even his die hard fans who tracked his career from Sweden.

Now, he has a reached a milestone no other NHL goalie in the History of this great game has sniffed. Its quite an honor.

The scary part folks, He has yet to fully mature into a true NHL goaltender. Hes been in the NHL for 4 seasons. Full Time Starter for 3.

Lets look at Hanks numbers for his first 4 yrs

W - 134
L - 78
Shutouts - 19

Lets Look at Marty

W - 117
L - 66
Shutouts - 22

Lets Look at Roy

W - 101
L - 51
Shutouts - 9

Now - grant it - all 3 came in different ERAs - but you can see how the stats match up.

Congrats Hank - A truly King like start to a career!