Lundqvist backstops Rangers over Boston
@RNYRF Staff Report
Although out shot 41-23 the New York Rangers looked ready for playoffs contention last night at Madison Square Garden. A brilliant display of goaltending by Henrik Lundqvist and another 2 assist night for defenseman Keith Yandle helped the Rangers pull out a victory against their Original 6 Rivals.
The Rangers opened the scoring vs Boston with 2 first period power play goals. The first came on a beautiful goal by Mats Zuccarello at 8:37 of the period and the second at 11:39 by Derek Stepan. Keith Yandle had the primary assist on both goals to lead the Rangers into the locker room for the first intermission leading 2-0.
Starting the 2nd period Boston pulled goaltender Tukka Raask due to illness and inserted backup Jonas Gustavsson. Just 5:26 into the middle period the Rangers added to the lead when team leading scorer Derick Brassad scored his 26th of the season. Boston seemed to have scored to make it 3-1 when former Ranger Lee Stempniak put one past Lundqvist. Quickly the Rangers called for their coach's challenge and sent it to video review in Toronto. After further review the goal was reversed due to the Bruins coming into the Rangers zone offsides, the score reaming 3-0 in favor of New York. Just a few minutes later Boston's Stempniak scored to make the contest 3-1 at 9:34. The period ended with Boston swarming in the Rangers end but Lundqvist came up big as he has many times this season.
In the closing 3rd period another video review of a Lee Stempniak shot that had seemed to cross the Rangers goal line fell upon the review in Toronto but with inconclussive proof the save went to Lundqvist, his second on the series of shots. Just 3 minutes later Rangers J.T. Miller went top shelf on Gustavsson for his career high 20th of the season to put the Blueshirts up 4-1 at 6:32. Under 6 minutes later Boston on their first power play of the night cut the lead by 2 when Frank Vatrano scored to make it 4-2. Heading into the final minutes of regulation Boston opted to pull their goaltender for the extra skater and the 6 on 5 man advantage but Henrik Lundqvist made a huge save on Boston's Bergeron just before Rick Nash put the Rangers ahead for good with an empty net goal with just under 3 minutes remaining. The tally was Nash's second goal in as many games since returning to the lineup from injury.
The win put the Rangers up 4 points over the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place in the Metro Division with the 2 teams meeting Sunday.
NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/24
P.A. Parenteau LW (2009-2010) Pat Price D (1986-1987)
TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 24
1963: Andy Hebenton skates in his final game as a Ranger, ending his consecutive game streak at 560 regualr season games, a Rangers record.
1963: Gump Worsley appears in his final game as a Ranger, posting his final win and shutout in a 5-0 win over Montreal. At the time, he ranked first in Rangers history in wins and appearances.
1974: Rod Gilbert becomes the first Ranger to score 300 goals with the organization.
1978: Ron Duguay and Phil Esposito each tally a hat trick in an 11-4 win over Washington.
1988: Brian Leetch scores his first NHL goal against the Oilers' Grant Fuhr, and later adds two assists in a 6-1 win.
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