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Examining the role of New York Rangers backups from 1989 to present

Before the lockout of 2004-05, the New York Rangers employed five netminders to reach a 27-48-7 record and miss the playoffs by 22 points. Interestingly, those players were Mike Dunham (57 games), Jussi Markkanen (26 games), Steve Valiquette (two games), Jason LaBarbera (four games), and Jamie McLennan (four games).

Upon returning to action in 2005-06, New York finally had the chance to let Henrik Lundqvist play, their hidden gem from the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. By the time he reached Broadway, he was already voted Sweden’s player of the year, a two-time SHL champion, and a Silver Medalist at the World Championships.