Part of it might have to do with the 30-year old Swedish King’s slow start. He’s allowed 10 goals so far and was pulled in the 6-3 home defeat to the Penguins. Lundqvist was alright yesterday finishing with 26 saves. He’s definitely showing signs of rust by spraying juicy rebounds like the one Milan Lucic deposited to tie the score in the second.

Last year’s Vezina winner also has given up a couple of softies including a stoppable shot from Nathan Horton that forced overtime. Fortunately, Marian Gaborik scored his third of the night to give the Rangers their first win of the season. Perhaps that’ll give the team a boost.

As for Lundqvist, he’s too good to continue having issues. It should also be noted that last year’s Conn Smythe winner Jon Quick also has come out of the gate slowly. So has Mike Smith, who was relieved by former Ranger Jason LaBarbera after suffering a lower body injury in the Coyotes’ win over the Blue Jackets. So much of goaltending is repetition. Unless you’re Martin Brodeur, who defies logic, it’s tough to just return after a work stoppage and be up to speed.

We’re also seeing more penalties from players who haven’t caught up. There’s no question that guys who played during the lockout are further along. Most of our team didn’t play. However, Rick Nash teamed with Joe Thornton for HC Davos in the Swiss League. He’s been the Rangers’ best player, registering points in his first three games. He could have a lot more than a goal and two assists with the former Jacket having at least half a dozen breakaways. He was robbed by Tuukka Rask in the final minute of regulation. So far, so good for Nash who looks every bit the star power forward Glen Sather acquired.