LUNDQVIST TO HAVE HEART SURGERY

Washington Capitals goalie Henrik Lundqvist is to undergo open heart surgery, he said on Monday The 38-year-old Swede, who enjoyed success with the New York Rangers before signing with the Capitals in October, previously announced he would sit out the upcoming NHL season due to a heart condition. “Last 3 weeks my focus has shifted from training camp and the upcoming season to my health and what I can and can't do,” Lundqvist posted on Twitter. “Scheduled for an open heart surgery now — aortic valve replacement, aortic root and ascending aortic replacement, to be more exact. We all have our mountains to climb. Staying positive here and set on the road to recovery.” Lundqvist holds more than 50 Rangers franchise records, including the all-time mark for wins, appearances by a goalie, shutouts, playoff appearances and playoff wins. Known as “The King,” Lundqvist also won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender for the 2011-12 season and was a finalist for the award in four other years.