Some corners of the Rangers' fan base predictably went into panic mode when star netminder Henrik Lundqvist surrendered three goals in the opening period of his first start of the preseason.
Back on Sept. 20, the 37-year-old wasn't at his sharpest and a series of defensive miscues subjected the Blueshirts to a 3-0 first period deficit and eventual 4-2 defeat.
Fast forward to the preseason's tail end. Lundqvist appeared sharp as ever in each of his two appearances that followed. In Tuesday's 3-1 victory over the Islanders, Lundqvist saved 13 of 13 shots over 29:48 minutes played before backup Alexandar Georgiev took over the net for the contest's second half.
On Thursday, Lundqvist played the entirety of Thursday's shootout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The experienced Swede saved 32 of 33 shots faced in regulation/overtime and stopped each of the Flyers' three shootout attempts to earn the 2-1 win.
"I just feel very good technically and physically right now," Lundqvist told reporters postgame. "I feel very well-prepared for the season. Now, it's more focus and that's something you work on every day throughout the year. Because you go through the ups and downs in different scenarios, so you always have to adjust your thinking a little bit. But I feel like this game was perfect for me. It feels really good."
After enduring a difficult opening period in his preseason debut, Lundqvist has rebounded to save 55 of 56 shots that followed to the tune of a .982 save percentage. Lundqvist has turned aside 66 of 69 shots (.957 save percentage) since Jack Hughes netted a breakaway goal on the first shot the 14-year veteran faced this preseason.
A succession of 41 consecutive saves highlighted Lundqvist's preseason resurgence. Though none of these numbers will matter once the regular season is underway, no. 30 is clearly trending in the right direction ahead of the Rangers' Oct. 3 home opener against the Winnipeg Jets.
Following Thursday's win, head coach David Quinn was asked about his feeling on the goaltending position heading into the regular season.
"Yes, I was comfortable with our goaltending coming into the season," Quinn replied in a succinct response.
Lundqvist looks ready to start 2019-20 in fine form. Quinn is confident in what his no. 1 netminder and backup Georgiev can accomplish between the pipes in the new campaign. The blueline has been bolstered by the additions of Jacob Trouba and Adam Fox.
Everything seems to be falling into place for Lundqvist to prove that last season's career-worst .907 save percentage was an aberration in an otherwise stellar 14 seasons of work. When the real games get underway, 2019-20 could be "Return of the King."
Follow Sean on Twitter -- @HartnettHockey
