On February 18, the c will face off against the New York Islanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series event.
This will be the fifth outdoor game for the Rangers, and remarkably, they have emerged victorious in all four previous outdoor encounters. They hold the distinction of being the only NHL team to have won every outdoor game they’ve participated in, having played in at least three such contests. Henrik Lundqvist, the legendary goaltender, has been a pivotal figure in these victories, having played every minute of the Rangers’ outdoor gameplay, a total of 242 minutes and 43 seconds, and claiming victory in all four outings.
As excitement mounts for the franchise’s fifth outdoor game, let’s revisit the Rangers’ first four outdoor experiences and gain insight into each game through Lundqvist’s perspective.
The Rangers’ inaugural regular season outdoor game occurred during the 2012 NHL Winter Classic against division rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, at Citizens Bank Park, home of MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies. The anticipation for the game was palpable, heightened by a delay of two hours due to weather conditions. Despite falling behind 0-2, the Rangers rallied to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, highlighted by Lundqvist’s pivotal save during a late penalty shot.
The following season, the Rangers participated in two outdoor games at Yankee Stadium as part of the NHL’s Stadium Series. In the first game against the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist recalls the excitement of playing at Yankee Stadium, despite a delayed start. The Rangers overcame a deficit to secure a 7-3 victory, with Lundqvist’s performance improving as the game progressed.
In their next outdoor endeavor against the Islanders, played at Yankee Stadium under cold conditions, the Rangers emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks in part to a goal from Daniel Carcillo. Lundqvist’s memories include the chilly weather and the satisfaction of securing another outdoor triumph.
Most recently, the Rangers faced the Buffalo Sabres at Citi Field on New Year’s Day, with temperatures at a chilly 21°F. Lundqvist played a crucial role in the 3-2 overtime victory, making key saves to keep the game tied before J.T. Miller’s game-winning goal sealed the win.
Reflecting on these experiences, Lundqvist emphasizes the excitement of winning, adapting to the unique challenges of outdoor play, and cherishing the memories created during these historic games.