2014 NHL Playoff Schedule, Standings, This Week's Predictions: Rangers Defeat Canadiens, Take 3-1 Series Lead
The No. 5 seed New York Rangers are just one game from winning the Eastern Conference and advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994.
Their latest victory came in game four against the Montreal Canadiens, 3-2 in overtime.
The first period began with little offense and a lot of hitting. The only goal scored was by Rangers Carl Hagelin. The crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted in joy as the Rangers took a 1-0 lead after the first period. The second period was different with both teams scoring. Francis Bouillon scored his second goal of the series and tied the game for the Canadiens. The Rangers returned the favor by scoring in the second period as well. Derick Brassard scored his fifth goal of the playoffs with just 56 seconds remaining in the period.
The third period and later was as exciting as you will see. With the Canadiens trailing by a goal, they needed an answer. Rangers penalties started to catch up with them as the Canadiens had 10 minutes less in penalty time. The Canadiens took advantage in the third period on a power-play when P.K. Subban scored, tying the game 2-2. The Rangers failed to score a single goal in the third period, so the game proceeded to go to overtime.
Rangers fans watched nervously as their team may blow a 2-0 series lead at home in back to back games in front of them. The Canadiens weren't even playing with their starting goaltender Carey Price, who was injured in game one. In overtime, Martin St. Louis saved the day scoring on a wrist shot over Dustin Tokarski's shoulder. The Rangers now had a commanding 3-1 series lead.
St. Louis's goal was huge and may have ended the series for the Canadiens. It's extremely hard to come back from a 3-1 series deficit because the team must win three consecutive games. If the Canadiens were to win game four, the series would simply be tied 2-2 heading into game five, which will be played in Montreal.
Over in the West, the Los Angeles Kings lead the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 for a chance to play in the Stanley Cup. The Rangers can't get ahead of themselves and take the Canadiens for granted. They still have to win another game.
Rangers goalie Henrick Lundqvist continues to have a phenomenal postseason. In game five, he stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced. The last Rangers goalie to win a Stanley Cup was Mike Richter and the last time a New York team won a championship in Madison Square Garden was 1994. Both of those honors were accomplished by the '94 New York Rangers.
Game five will be played Tuesday Night at 8 p.m. EST and will be played in Montreal, Canada.
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