Henrik Lundqvist

Jaromir Jagr’s return to form helped push the Rangers into the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97, but the stalwart play of rookie goalie Henrik Lundqvist was just as important. Lundqvist helped lead Sweden to Olympic Gold midway through the NHL season, but a hip injury sat him down for most of the stretch run. Lundqvist turned in an impressive 30-12-9 record, playing in only 53 games. He finished the season ranked fifth in goals-against-average (2.24) and fourth in save percentage (.922).