NEW YORK — Despite all of the hoopla, attention, fun and family time that surrounds the NHL's variety of outdoor games, Henrik Lundqvist believes that, for him, special memories from these events only derive from one thing.
Winning.
So, that means Lundqvist has himself nothing but special memories from the three outdoor games he's played in his NHL career. On Monday, the winningest goaltender in franchise history looks to run his outdoor record to a perfect 4-0-0 when his Rangers skate against the Buffalo Sabres in the 2018 Winter Classic.
"It's always hard to look back at any type of game if you don't win the game," Lundqvist told Sporting News following the Blueshirts outdoor practice at Citi Field Sunday afternoon. "If it's playoffs, Olympics or outdoor games, if you don't win the game you don't walk around and think back on it with a smile on your face. If you have a good game and win, it's easier to go there mentally. So that's what you try to do -- be your best and make the most of it."
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Lundqvist and the Rangers beat the Flyers 3-2 in the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and then bested both of their local rivals -- the Devils and Islanders -- in consecutive Stadium Series games at Yankee Stadium two seasons later. In those three outdoor games, Lundqvist owns a 2.00 goals against average and .933 save percentage.
"There are a lot of distractions and different elements, but you try and stay focused on what you need to do," Lundqvist said of his success. "Don't try and complicate it or overthink it, but it is a lot to take in. That first game in Philly, I didn't know what to expect. Now, I know what to expect a little bit, but it's still exciting to go out and play this game."
One of the things Lundqvist likes most about playing outdoors is that it breaks up the daily routine that comes with the grind of the long regular season.
"You play 82 games and everything is a certain way -- the preparation, the elements of the game -- and then you do this," Lundqvist explained. "Guys are smiling. We're in a different type of atmosphere here, the conditions, and it almost feels like a new game."
Henrik over for some quick work. #NYR #NYRClassic #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/KHOK3G7ep4
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Following practice Sunday, a smiling Lundqvist raved about the conditions at Citi Field, calling them "great", including the the outdoor ice. He did mention that the wind could be a factor when the teams face off Monday afternoon, however.
He also joked about how cold it got out there when, after breaking a good sweat in practice, he was joined for a leisurely outdoor family skate with his wife and two daughters.
"Overall it felt great to be out there. I think it's going to be a great hockey game."
Ready for tomorrow’s #WinterClassic! #NYR #NYRClassic pic.twitter.com/Ml2hNyw4ia
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Lundqvist owns 422 career victories and is one shy of tying Tony Esposito for eighth place on the league's all-time wins list.
How fitting if he does so outdoors where no goalie has ever won as many games as the three he has already.