New York Rangers raise Henrik Lundqvist's No. 30 to rafters: 'This is home'

New York Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist had his No. 30 raised to the rafters in Madison Square Garden on Friday night, with a raucous crowd on hand to honor «The King.»

«I'm so happy I get an opportunity to say thank you to all the amazing fans in here that have supported me throughout my career,» Lundqvist told the crowd during the ceremony. «It's been an amazing experience and it has given me so much joy. When I reflect on my time in New York, I keep coming back to one feeling, and that's gratitude.»

Lundqvist's number is the 11th retired by the Rangers.

Among the special guests in attendance were Lundqvist's family, as well as former NHL players Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Brian Leetch and Mike Richter, all of whom have had their numbers retired by the team. Lundqvist's No. 30 was highlighted on a lighted display on the ice, as well as on the backs of current Rangers players as they prepared for their game against the Minnesota Wild.

Rangers fans made the ceremony even more memorable, chanting «Hen-rik,» shouting out lines during his speech and booing owner James Dolan's name when Lundqvist mentioned it.

«I missed you guys,» said Lundqvist, who played his last game in the NHL with the Rangers in August 2020.

Lundqvist was given a few gifts during the ceremony. Tennis legend John McEnroe, who is Lundqvist's friend, gave the goalie a new guitar made in Sweden, hand-painted by Lundqvist's mask artist Dave Gunnarsson. Lundqvist was given the game pucks from all 64 regular-season shutouts and 10 postseason puckouts. The current Rangers team presented Lundqvist with three special bottles of wine. Messier and other Rangers legends gave Lundqvist, known as a style icon in the NHL, a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk.

Lundqvist is