AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

It’s now been a good amount of time since the Rangers have been eliminated, and the rest of the league has settled nicely into round two, which has allowed many of us fans to absorb the loss and perhaps move on with our lives.

Although I cannot speak for all fans, I feel confident that you’ll all agree with the following statement: Henrik Lundqvist deserves better. And so, I’ve written a short open letter to him on behalf of all fans.

Dear Henrik,

I am so, so sorry. Much like the fans, you deserved so much more than what your teammates and coaching staff were able to give you all season. Your insane play masked so many issues that were still not addressed, even by the beginning of game 83. You single handedly won several games early this year which kept the fanbase (semi-) stable. You are a delight.

As so many fans have watched, over the years you’ve been the core that keeps this team upright, the guy who comes in every single game ready to play with a pure devotion to the name on the front of your sweater. It’s a special type of pain watching your face year after year as the Rangers are on the wrong side of the handshake line.

Before this season, I never bought into the idea that the team should win for the benefit of one specific player. It’s a team sport, more so than any other sport. Individual accomplishments mean very little and can not be achieved without the help of your brothers on the ice with you. This is the year that changed for me. This is the year that I feel slighted for you.

Please enjoy your summer off in Sweden and don’t even think of this season. Have fun boating, eating, and basically just living the dream life. Come back next year with the same fire as usual, and maybe the team will assemble itself a little better to bring a Cup down Broadway. You’re still incredible in net, and still have so many years of talent left to devote to the NHL.

And for the love of God, and for the sanity of Rangers fans everywhere, please never leave us.

Fondly,

BSB

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