Henrik Lundqvist is known for his quick reflexes. It’s what has made him one of hockey’s best goaltenders. But waiting longer to commit, former Rangers goalie Mike Richter believes, has led to his recent turnaround.
“He looks he’s so focused right now, and it really looks like he’s patient in the net, which is kind of key for a goaltender. You can’t force the future. You got to let the puck come to you. And he’s just playing great right now,” Richter told The Post on Tuesday afternoon at The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.
“He’s just playing with more confidence,” Richter added. “He’s always been a great goalie. It’s a matter of time before he got back on track. But you’re also a function of the team. The team is playing better in front of him.”
Richter, 47, has kept a close eye on the Rangers, and has been impressed with the team’s 7-1-1 surge that has lifted them to second in the Metropolitan Division. He’s also a big fan of Lundqvist.
“It’s his time to shine and he’s doing an amazing job,” Richter said. “I love watching him, because he is such a professional. He looks like gets his game in order so quickly.
“He’s always had the technical ability. The team is helping more. But the thing that’s really been great, when he doesn’t have a game he’s satisfied with, he goes back and works at it, tries to get better and corrects all his mistakes. [Cam] Talbot’s come in and got 20 really important points for them. He’s played well. It’s given Henrik a chance to get back on his game, as a top player in the league.”
Along with other former Rangers, Devils and Islanders greats, such as Brian Leetch and Ken Daneyko, Richter was promoting the upcoming Stadium Series. The Rangers meet the Devils on Jan. 26 and the Isles on Jan. 29 in the first-ever hockey games at Yankee Stadium. The Stadium Series also includes games at Dodgers Stadium, Soldier Field and Vancouver’s BC Place.
Richter is jealous of the opportunity Lundqvist and the rest of the Rangers have coming up.
“Playing outdoors in front of a crowd in a meaningful game is a really big deal, and I would’ve loved to have done it,” Richter said. “The league has done a great thing by bringing it into its repertoire.
“This is the way the hockey was born. It’s very cool the NHL is going back to its roots. All three teams are heating up so it will be great games.”