Henrik Lundqvist’s shutout leads New York Rangers to win against Nashville Predators 3-0–NHL Update
New York Rangers scored goal in every period and their goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, saved 27 shots to get his fourth shutout of the National Hockey League (NHL) 2011-2012 season, as the Rangers eased past Nashville Predators, 3-0, ending their five-game winning
streak on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at the Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.
"I don't know if I was seeing the puck more, but we didn't have as many shots from right in front", Lundqvist said.
"In Montreal, there was a lot of shots from right in front. Maybe I wasn't as aggressive as I wanted to be. I tried to correct that tonight. I play very deep so I need to be active when I play. I didn't feel great, but I was battling and it worked out".
The Rangers have lost only three of their last 14 games and are leading the Eastern Conference with 62 points.
They completely outclassed the Predators, who were impressive in the last few games, but groped on the rink as they searched for a scoring opportunity against the Rangers.
In the first period, the Rangers got their first goal, which should be credited more to Predators’ defenseman, Jack Hillen.
At 6:15, Marian Gaborik and Carl Hagelin combined to set up Daniel Girardi, who was present inside the right red circle. He collected the puck and flicked it towards the goalie, Anders Lindback.
Hillen got in the way of the shot and the puck deflected off his stick, beating the goalie and going into the net.
The helpless goalie was tested once again in the second period.
At 10:42, John Mitchell sent the puck through Lindback, who was left in awe after giving away the second straight goal.
The third goal came during the last minute of the final period.
After beating all the defensemen, Rangers’ captain, Ryan Callahan, began proceeding towards the empty net. He skated his way through to the opponent’s end zone where he was foully blocked by Martin Erat, who had come from behind, and hindered Callahan.
As a result of the improper tackle, Callahan was credited with a goal.
Predators’ coach, Barry Trotz, was disappointed over the loss, but appreciated his players for what he called ‘playing a really solid game’.
The coach urged the players to forget the loss and focus on the next games to once again build a strong winning streak.
“They have a good hockey team. I said to our guys, we didn't really take a step backwards, even though we lost the game. I thought we stacked up quite well against the Rangers tonight".
The Predators, who have 56 points after 46 games, are now going to face Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
On the other hand, Rangers will take on Pittsburgh Penguins on the same day.
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