Darren Pang of TSN has reported on twitter that Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will watch Friday's contest between Sweden and Belarus from the press box as the team has chosen to dress back-up netminder Jonas Gustavsson.
Now before you all jump to conclusions, this is not being done because of an injury, it is simply to give Hank some rest so he has his energy when it really will be needed in the medal rounds next week.
This game will begin in just under two hours. I think Gustavsson, who is one of many goalies in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, should easily handle Team Belarus.
Stefan Liv of the Swedish Elite League will back him up on the bench in case things don't go as smoothly as the Swedes hope.
From a Rangers standpoint, the more rest for Lundqvist the better. The Blueshirts, just like Gaborik, will need Hank performing at the top of his game when he returns from Vancouver.
Right now they are lucky to be in contention for a playoff spot, and with Henrik gassed, that key spot in the standings will rapidly slip.
Back with Czech Republic - Latvia Pregame in a bit.
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Lundqvist to Sit Out vs Belarus
February 19th, 2010 by Rangers Tribune Leave a reply »
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