Henrik Lundqvist, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, finished the condensed 2012-13 season with the second best save percentage (0.926) and goals against average (2.05) of his career – both of which trailed only to his 2011-12 season. Additionally, he earned an impressive 16.81 goals saved above average in his 43 regular season appearances.
His game-changing play helped the Rangers accumulate 56-points, which landed them in second place in the Atlantic Division and a first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals.
The series kicked off in Washington, where the Rangers fell to an 0-2 start.