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Lundqvist to use same pads in Sochi, says critics are ‘ignorant about the game’

2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series - New York Rangers v New York Islanders

(EDITORIAL USE ONLY) xxx during the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium on January 29, 2014 in New York City.

Elsa

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist will bring NHL-sized goalie pads with him to Sochi for the Winter Olympics.

The (likely) Swedish starter has heard theories about why he hasn’t looked as good this season as he has in the past and the change in pad size is one that’s become popular.

As Larry Brooks of the New York Post shares, Lundqvist isn’t amused by that theory.

“The people who said that the pads were the reason I was not playing well, or said I’d been good before because I’d been cheating, maybe I’d care if they weren’t ignorant about the game and the position,” Lundqvist said.

Lundqvist said you close your pads at the knees and not at the top and adds, if anything, the size regulations have helped him out.

Just to note, his .917 save percentage so far this season is his lowest since 2008-09 when he finished at .916. His 2.46 goals-against average is the highest its been in his NHL career.

At the very least, we know Lundqvist won’t blame his equipment for how he’s doing, but that won’t stop the theories.

Follow @JoeYerdonPHT