Lundqvist says he needs more time off before making comeback

It doesn't appear Henrik Lundqvist will tend the Washington Capitals' goal this season after all.

The veteran netminder underwent open-heart surgery in January and offered an update on his condition Sunday.

"Right after getting back on the ice after surgery, I made it my 'stretch goal' to join (the) Capitals for the end of the season. Training has been going really well, and I've been feeling good - but my heart isn't quite ready," Lundqvist tweeted.

He continued: "Last week's checkup showed some inflammation around the heart that now requires a few months more of rest and steady recovery. While it's not what I hoped for, I know this is all part of the process of getting back to 100%."

It was reported earlier this week that the Capitals weren't ruling out the possibility of Lundqvist playing this season, pending the results of his latest appointment.

Lundqvist signed a one-year, $1.5-million contract with Washington this past offseason after being bought out by the New York Rangers following 15 years with the team.

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