Lundqvist to be featured on Sports Illustrated cover

After a sparkling regular season that may earn him a Vezina Trophy, New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist earned a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week.

The last Ranger to appear on the magazine's cover was Wayne Gretzky on April 26, 1999, in recognition of his retirement from the NHL.

Lundqvist and the Rangers will start their postseason Thursday night (7 ET, NHLN) against the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series. Lundqvist set career-highs in wins (39) goals-against average (1.97) and save percentage (.930) this season.

Lundqvist's cover is one of two Sports Illustrated will issue this week. Golfer Bubba Watson, who won The Masters on Sunday, will appear on the other cover.

Past Rangers on Sports Illustrated cover:

* Wayne Gretzky -- April 26, 1999
* Mark Messier & Wayne Gretzky -- October 7, 1996
* Mark Messier -- June 13, 1994
* Pete Stemkowski -- May 6, 1974
* Ed Giacomin -- March 2, 1970
* Andy Bathgate -- January 12, 1959

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