Star goaltender Roberto Luongo challenges New York Rangers legend following Winter Classic announcement
The NHL made an announcement that the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers would battle it out at the 2026 Winter Classic. This led to Roberto Luongo to call out Henrik Lundqvist to reignite an old rivalry.
Luongo wants to make the 2026 NHL Winter Classic interesting and has challenged Henrik Lundqvist to an alumni game.
This could be to be an entertaining spectacle before the main event, and something Gary Bettman could consider for additional eyes on the event.
Considering John Tortorella( both a Head Coach of the Rangers and Canucks ) deprived him of the ability to play in an outdoor game, maybe Lundqvist should oblige.
"Alumni game? Head to head vs @HLundqvist like the good old days! What says you? Playing an outdoor game was always a dream of mine 🫠," Luongo said on X following the announcement.
Lundqvist however, has seen four outdoor games during his career with the New York Rangers and won every single one.
The Rangers legend has more wins in outdoor games than any other goaltender in NHL history while he is also the only NHL goaltender to win two outdoor games in the same season.
Since his retirement from the NHL Luongo has found himself as an NHL Analyst on TNT, and recently as a Studio Analyst for MSG Networks.
It's been a while since we've seen Lundqvist don the pads, and win one for the Rangers.
But I'm sure a friendly-match between two competitors wouldn't be ridiculous, and considering the area is warmer than New York, why not?
Lundqvist played in four outdoor games in his NHL career and won all of them, posting a 4-0-0 record, 1.98 goals against average and a .934 save percentage.
The Rangers legend has nothing to lose, but could give Luongo a shot at the title for sure.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
POLL |
JANVIER 12 | 783 ANSWERS Star goaltender Roberto Luongo challenges New York Rangers legend following Winter Classic announcement Should former goalie Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers oblige former goalie Roberto Luongo for an outdoor alumni game? |
Yes | 634 | 81 % |
No | 149 | 19 % |
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