Rangers, Frolunda tied 1-1 after first

GOTHENBURG, Swe. -- They chanted "Hen-ke, Hen-ke, Hen-ke" for Henrik Lundqvist, who was made an ambassador of Gothenburg in a ceremony prior to Friday night's game. He was introduced to a huge ovation and got a chance to wave to the crowd while video clips of his part in Frolunda's celebration after the 2005 Swedish Elite League title were shown above him.

The moments prior to Friday's game here at the Scandinavium were touching, so emotional. I could only imagine what it felt like to be Henrik Lundqvist, who had been looking forward to this game for so long, both with excitement and nervousness.

He got a louder ovation than his old team. Everyone in the sold-out crowd was standing, including media members.

Lundqvist's brother, Joel, who is Frolunda's captain, took part in a ceremonial puck drop with Brian Boyle. The guy dropping the puck was Frolunda legend Ronnie Sundin, who played one game with the Rangers in 1997-98. He also played 67 with Hartford, but he spent the bulk of his playing career in Sweden.

It didn't take the Rangers long to score either. Kris Newbury buried a shot off the rush from the left circle just 2:24 into the game to give the visitor's a 1-0 lead.

However, two-and-a-half minutes later Lundqvist lost the puck after making a save and Jonathan Johnson buried a rebound shot from the high slot to make it 1-1.

The game remains 1-1 after the first period, but Frolunda has a two-man advantage for the first 71 seconds of the second period. Dylan McIlrath (cross checking) and Brandon Prust (interference) are in the penalty box.

Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl

 

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