Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom spoke to top Swedish news outlet Expressen about playing through injuries and his plans for offseason recuperation, but what you really want to hear is his confidence about a new contract for Alex Ovechkin.
By Magnus Cadelin and Peter Hassett 3 weeks ago
Henrik Lundqvist announced the results from a recent doctor’s appointment on Sunday.
Lundqvist revealed that his comeback bid this season with the Capitals is effectively over after doctors found inflammation around his heart. Lundqvist says his “stretch goal” was to rejoin the team at the end of the season. While he feels good, he said his heart “isn’t quite ready.”
The future Hall of Famer says he needs “a few months more of rest and steady recovery” to regain his full health.
Henrik Lundqvist sat down with former New York Rangers’ teammate Kevin Weekes for a powerful three-part interview, which is airing on NHL Network Tuesday through Thursday. In part one of the chat, Lundqvist spoke for 12 minutes about being bought out by the New York Rangers, signing with the Washington Capitals, and learning that he’d need open-heart surgery.
Lundqvist said that he first learned that he needed the procedure done as he was about to pack to leave for Washington DC ahead of the 2020-21 season.
TSN’s Frank Seravalli is reporting that Henrik Lundqvist would like to resume his career and is eyeing a possible return to the Washington Capitals this season.
Lundqvist, who underwent open-heart surgery four months ago, is continuing to skate and take shots privately. This week, he is awaiting word from doctors on if an NHL return is possible either in the short or long term.
By Ian Oland 2 months ago
Henrik Lunqvist went under the knife for five hours on January 10 and had open-heart surgery. The future Hall of Fame goaltender received an aortic valve replacement, aortic root, and ascending aortic replacement at a Cleveland hospital. Incredibly, 36 days after surgery, Lundqvist ran for the first time and 11 days after that he returned to the rink and threw on his goalie gear, seemingly looking none the worse for wear.
It appears that Lundqvist is trying to make a comeback to the NHL — to write the final chapter of his professional hockey career on his own terms — and will know more from doctors in April. Lundqvist’s Instagram bio reads, almost defiantly in the circumstances, “Hockey has been my life since I was 7 years old and still is.”
On Friday, Brian MacLellan was asked about Lundqvist and the Capitals’ general manager was blown away by the legend’s inspiring videos. The Capitals originally signed longtime Rangers’ goalie to backup Ilya Samsonov this season.
Henrik Lundqvist took to Twitter on Thursday to clarify his status after returning to the ice in full goalie gear earlier in the week.
“Going to the rink this week has been very rewarding,” Lundqvist wrote. “My health is obviously my No.1 priority. It will be months before I can make any decisions regarding my future after more tests/convos with Doctors. The one thing I do know with 100% certainty is that I still love the game.”
Henrik Lundqvist returned to the ice and put on his pads again Tuesday for the first time since undergoing open-heart surgery in early January. “Day 47,” Lundqvist said. “Back at the rink. Love it. Let’s do it.”
Lundqvist, who is running and training again, looked especially good in net, causing many to wonder if Hank was attempting to make a comeback this season.
Reading between the lines of a new report from the Washington Post’s Samantha Pell, Lundqvist is indeed trying to do so, but it’s “too early to determine” if doctors will clear him to play in the NHL again.
Capitals goaltender Henrik Lundqvist skated for the first time since his surgery in January and this was no ordinary amble on the ice.
Lundqvist suited up in his full Capitals goalie gear and took shots. And you guys, he looked good while doing so.
“Day 47,” Lundqvist said. “Back at the rink. Love it. Let’s do it.”
By Ian Oland 4 months ago
Henrik Lundqvist took to social media on Wednesday to publish an update about his recovery. The Capitals’ netminder had open-heart surgery six weeks ago. Today he ran for the first time.
“Today is a good day,” Lundqvist wrote. “The checkup with the doctor this morning reaffirmed what I’ve been feeling last few weeks, everything looking great. It energized me so much I had to go out for a run (FYI, I’m not a runner). #Stepbystep”
By Ian Oland 4 months ago
Henrik Lundqvist is in positive spirits on the one month anniversary of his open-heart surgery.
Wednesday, Hank took to Twitter and posted a video from just outside 62nd Street in New York City.
“I was not sure what to expect the first month after surgery,” Lundqvist wrote. “4 weeks today and I feel strong, both body and mind filled with positive energy. Recovery is going well.”
