Boston Bruins put New York Rangers on verge of Elimination with 2-1 Win – NHL Playoffs Update
The series may have returned to the Madison Square Garden in New York city, but what the Rangers had been fearing since the start did come true as Boston Bruins won their third straight, putting the opposing club on the verge of elimination, 2-1.
All eyes were on veteran New York goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, to show a stunning performance after failing to be an upbeat player for the Rangers. He did well by blocking 32 of 34 shots, but due to a weak offensive show by New York, Lundqvist’s efforts went
in vain.
“He was outstanding. He was outstanding,” Rangers coach John Tortorella said of his goalie.
Boston’s defence was working magic for the team as goalie Tuukka Rask had to face just 24 shots on his net, of which 23 he easily saved and had a near shutout recorded to his name. It will continue being a match of the goalies, but if New York is looking
to take the series, they will now have to win four straight, which is definitely a near impossible task against a team like Boston.
“He made some great saves all game, and he keeps us in the game, and that's what we need from him,” center Patrice Bergeron told NBC Sports Network. “I can't say enough about him. He gives us a chance to win every time he steps on the ice.”
After a scoreless opening period, Taylor Pyatt kicked it off in the second at 3:53 on an assist from Ryan McDonagh to give the sold-out crowd a reason to scream as New York was ahead entering the final 20 minutes of game play.
Boston also bestowed upon the Rangers two power play opportunities, but unluckily, New York was unable to capitalise on either one of those.
The Bruins took over in the last period of regulation as Johnny Boychuk levelled it at 3:10 and Daniel Paille scored the game winner with less than four minutes remaining on the clock to hold the Rangers off.
“I think we've been in this situation the last couple years [on] more than one occasion,” Boychuk said.
While New York still may be confident of a comeback, it will be interesting to see what they can do when meeting up again with Boston at home on Thursday.
Tags: