Henrik Lundqvist's open heart surgery a success
Henrik Lundqvist at Rangers practice on July 17, 2020 at the MSG Training Center. Credit: Nick Homler/NY Rangers/Nick Homler
Henrik Lundqvist’s open heart surgery was successful and the former Rangers goaltender is recovering after the procedure, he announced on his social media accounts.
"Day 3. Surgery went really well. About 5 hours to get it all taken care of. Really appreciate the great staff here at the Clevland [sic] Clinic. Last few days has been pretty crazy but feel like I’m in really good hands. Every day is a step in the right direction.’’
The post was followed by a thumbs-up emoji and accompanied by a drawing by his daughter, Juli.
Lundqvist, who had the final year of his contract bought out by the Rangers in September, had signed a one-year contract as a free agent with the Washington Capitals, where he would have served as a backup and mentor to 23-year-old Ilya Samsonov.
But last month, the 38-year-old Lundqvist announced on social media that a heart condition he’d been living with and managing for years would prevent him from playing hockey this season. A few days later, he announced he would undergo open heart surgery.
Lundqvist played 15 seasons for the Rangers and finished with a career record of 459-310-96, a goals-against average of 2.43, a save percentage of .918 and 64 shutouts.
In the playoffs, he went 61-67 with a 2.30 GAA, .921 save percentage and 10 shutouts.
He is the Rangers’ all-time leader in wins, games played (887) and shutouts as well as playoff wins, games and shutouts.
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
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