The King Unveils His Capitals Mask

David Gunnarsson, an NHL goalie mask artist connoisseur based in Sweden, and Henrik Lundqvist have unveiled Henrik's new mask that he will wear when he takes the ice with Washington.

For the first time in his career, Lundqvist will be playing with a new team and wanted to make sure his mask fit this new chapter.
"Henrik wanted a completely new mask look, a totally new style for him," Gunnarsson said.
Gunnarsson and Lundqvist have worked together for almost 20 years to create masks throughout The King's career.
The pair brainstormed the design idea together and quickly came up with what they wanted this mask to look like.
"It is a design which lives and breathes the city of Washington, it is a tribute to the fans of the Capitals. A crisp and clean design, but loaded with detail work and storytelling," said Gunnarsson.

Lundqvist knew certain design elements that he wanted to incorporate and let Gunnarsson take creative control after that.
"Henrik definitely wanted American bald eagles in the painting. I made some test drawings how to build the story on the mask, Henrik gave me green light and I picked up my airbrush guns and started to paint," said the famed mask artist.
"I wanted something aggressive but still something that goes well with my equipment and team colors," said Lundqvist. "The eagle to me represents focus and awareness. All the pieces are coming together now and I look forward to get going."
Last week, Henrik also unveiled his new pads so we are starting to get a pretty clear picture of what the whole ensemble will look like when The King takes the ice!