The Rangers behind a brilliant team effort had just enough to defeat a valiant Montreal team, 1-0, and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. New York carried the play nearly all game, but Dustin Tokarski stood on his net. Most of the year, we talked about how good and important the fourth line has been, tonight was no different. Dominic Moore scored the goal that sent the a Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Game Highlights:
STANLEY CUP FINALS!!! Just let those three words sink in a bit. For the first time since the magical 1994 campaign, the New York Rangers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Finals. In time, we can discuss who we prefer and then break down the matchup against the West, but for now, revel in the win.
After all the trials and tribulations, New York is four wins from their fifth Stanley Cup. One year ago on May 29, John Tortorella was shown the door and we were debating how should be the next coach. would it be Mark Messier? Is Alain Vigneault the right man for the job? As of right now, it sure looks like GM Glen Sather made the right choice in AV. His patience, even-keeled, level-headed style has been perfect for this squad.
From the Derek Stepan holdout to the Yukon trip. The horrific road trip to start the season and 3-6 start, which included the absences of Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin. The Tomas Hertl between the legs goal in a game where Rick Nash suffered another concussion. Henrik Lundqvist's struggles and questions on if his looming free agent status was impacting his play. Cam Talbot stepping in to calm everything down and really help rescue the season. The benching and rebirth of Mats Zuccarello. Debating if or should Callahan and Dan Girardi should be brought back. Re-signing Girardi and the Callahan negotiations. The Michael Del Zotto for Kevin Klein trade that solidified the third pairing. The unsung play of Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore, another great one-year signing by Sather. Adding Daniel Carcillo for nothing. Ryan McDonagh becoming an elite defender. The rumors and finally compilation of the Callahan for Martin St. Louis trade followed by acquisition of Raphael Diaz. The closing stretch, which included an injury to Chris Kreider, and just one goal by St. Louis. Raising additional questions on the wisdom of the deal.
Playoffs. First round victory against Philly, punctuated by Game 7 win by Hank after a poor Game 6. Winning Game 1 against Pitt but losing three straight. The return of Kreider in Game 4 and poor team performance in that contest. The unfortunate passing of St. Louis' mom, France, which seemed to galvanize and unify the team, as trite as that sounds. Leadership in the locker room by Brad Richards and solid play by Benoit Pouliot/Derick Brassard. Winning Game 5 in Pitt. The win at home in Game 6. Lundqvist standing on his head in Game 7 to help the team advance to the ECF. Two wins in Montreal, the Prust hit on Stepan and Game 3 OT loss, followed by top-shelf Marty in OT in Game 4. Spitting the bit in Game 5 and the John Moore hit/suspension, now to Game 6.
A dominant first period by New York, especially the first 18 minutes, but no scoring by either team. Tokarski stood on his head while Lundqvist wasn't really tested, save for a blocker save on Alex Galchenyuk. The Rangers were controlling the neutral zone but weren't able to breach Tokarsi and Momtal ended the period on a power play.
In the second, the Rangers killed the penalty but still weren't able to score through most of the stanza. Tokarski kept coming up big, aided by the post on a Stepan shot on the power plat but it was Lundqvist with the save of the game and possibly the playoffs. With 4:45 to go in the frame, Lundqvist channeled his inner Dominik Hasek, robbing Thomas Vanek when he flailed his blocker up and somehow got a piece of a shot that deflected off Girardi's stick and appeared headed for the back of the net. Lundqvist lost his stick and almost did a cartwheel as he threw his blocker up to make the save.
Less than three minutes, the Rangers broke through and it was the fourth line that did the damage. New York cycled the puck, with Moore, Boyle and Derek Dorsett keeping the puck in deep. McDonagh was able to pinch in from the left side of the ice deep into the Montreal zone to take the puck from Dorsett. He wheeled it behind the net to Boyle, who from the trapezoid to the right of the net threaded a pass through Francis Bouillon and into the slot to a wide-open Moore. He cut into the slot from the right circle and scored under Tokarski's blocker for his third of the playoffs and 1-0 lead.
In the third period, it was a clinic. Short shifts. Great forechecking and backchecking. No room through the neutral zone for Montreal. Several good scoring chances for New York, but Tokarski was up to the task, including stopping Brassard late to keep it a one-goal deficit. Run you sweet damn clock run. First, 18 minutes left, then 14, down to just over 11, then to nine and then under six. A penalty to Brandon Prust with 5:42 left but no goals scored, keeping it the slimmest of margins. Under three left, then two, Tokarski to the bench. A parade of faceoffs slowly bled the clock down more and a header by Hank with 75 seconds left. More draws. A hand pass by Gallagher and there is under 30 seconds left. Puck gets out of the zone, clock hits zero and pandemonium breaks out. Stanley Cup Finals, here they come.
Lundqvist with the win passes Mike Richter for most playoff victories by a Rangers goalie with 42. In addition, he earned his ninth shutout of the playoffs. Does he still need a Cup to validate his status as an elite goalie? McDonagh with an assist on the Moore goal finished the round with 10 points, making him the first Rangers D to do that since Brian Leetch.
Stanley Cup Finals, how sweet do those three words sounds? Let's Go Rangers!!!