Playoff nerves: not even "The King" can avoid them.

Even with 116 postseason starts heading into Wednesday night's series opener versus Montreal, Henrik Ludnqvist was chock-full of nervous anticipation.

"As a goalie you always try to look at good things in every situation," Lundqvist told Sportsnet's Eric Engels. "I had butterflies for two days. I've been thinking about this almost every hour for the past week about the start and to get going and feeling anxious and nervous and excited at the same time. It's just nice to get going."

Despite the nerves, it's safe to say he was ready, as he turned away 16 first period shots en route to a 31-save shutout - his 10th in the playoffs, establishing a new franchise record over Rangers legend Mike Richter.

Lundqvist didn't enjoy his best statistical season in 2016-17, going 31-20-4 with below career average numbers across the board. But it's a new season now, and after the first installment of his battle with fellow all-world netminder Carey Price went his way, it appears he's ready for more.

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