Off he goes Monday, Henrik Lundqvist beginning his journey from New York to Slovakia in quest of gold for Sweden in the World Championships that will commence with a match against the Czech Republic on May 10 in Bratislava.
It will mark the King’s fifth appearance in the tournament and the 11th time he will compete in an international event wearing the Tre Kronor. Sweden is the two-time defending champion, having won with Lundqvist in nets in 2017.
“I feel a sense of pride every time I put on the yellow and blue jersey,” Lundqvist wrote in an email exchange with The Post. “I always have and I always will.
“It’s also a great opportunity to have a fun challenge and enjoy it with a great group of guys.”
The season, of course, ended in despair for the goaltender, who carried the Rangers through an unanticipated strong first half before it all collapsed on him the final two months. The tournament, Lundqvist believes, will point him in the right direction for 2019-20.
“The last time I went, it helped me prepare for the next season,” Lundqvist wrote. “I’d been planning to start skating in May to work on things, no matter what. This will be a more fun way for me to work on my game.”