Henrik Lundqvist had his no. 30 retired by the New York Rangers on Friday. Part of a long ceremony celebrating Hank’s career, the Rangers collected congratulations from Lundqvist’s teammates and biggest rivals.
Two of Hank’s former teammates from the Capitals participated including Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom – two likely Hockey Hall of Famers.
“Hey, Hank. It’s Ovi,” said the guy who needs no introduction. “Congrats on your retirement. You have tremendous career. It was pleasure play against you. It would have a really interesting match together. Wish you all the best.”
One more for the road: It was a pleasure to play against you, Henrik. ✌️
– Alex Ovechkin | #30Forever pic.twitter.com/auiHJmeujK
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
“Hey, Henrik. I just wanted to say congrats on an amazing career you had,” Backstrom said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t be teammates together in Washington but I admire you as a person, as a hockey player, as a father – you’re a great guy and I wish you all the best in retirement.”
I admire you as a person, as a player, as a father – I wish you all the best.
– @backstrom19 | #30Forever pic.twitter.com/LjdWSbeDaY
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
Other notable players to participate included Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Mark Messier.
From one Great #NYR to another: You deserve this, Henrik.
– Wayne Gretzky | #30Forever pic.twitter.com/48IYjHKAOQ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
Rivals, competitors, friends. It was a privilege to play against you all those years, Henrik.
– Sidney Crosby | #30Forever pic.twitter.com/tzp5HKCtHU
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
From one legendary #NYR to another: Congratulations on an amazing career.
– Mark Messier | #30Forever pic.twitter.com/0LxTZGHAs5
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
Mats Zuccarello, Lundqvist’s longtime teammate and close friend, also extended his warm wishes.
Henrik: It was a pleasure playing with you. It's a pleasure being your friend. No one deserves this more than you. You're a true New York legend.
– Zucc | #30Forever pic.twitter.com/6L1YHf8Pw4
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
Zuccarello also participated in the emotional puck drop ceremony with Hank and gave him a long hug afterward.
Nothing but love for our Henrik. pic.twitter.com/VojauOFYzG
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 29, 2022
Lundqvist spent 15 years in New York, but never played in Washington due to a heart condition.
Headline photo: @NYRangers
