Rangers Vs. Senators Final Score: New York Holds Off Ottawa, 2-1, In Game 7

Thanks to two second-period goals by Marc Staal and Dan Girardi and a stellar third-period effort by goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who made 27 saves, the New York Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators, 2-1, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The Rangers advance to face the Washington Capitals in the conference's semifinal round.

Girardi's goal 9 minutes, 41 seconds into the second period proved to be the game-winner, but it was the third-period performance of Lundqvist (nine saves in the final 20 minutes, a majority fantastic) that cemented the do-or-die victory for the Rangers.

In the end, New York relied on its defense and grind-it-out style to pull off the win.

"They're a good team," captain Ryan Callahan said after the game to NBC Sports Network. "They have a lot of offense."

Callahan and Derek Stephan, who found a seam between the legs of Sergei Gonchar, assisted on Staal's first goal, while Brandon Dubinksy and Brandon Prust collected apples on Girardi's score.

The Senators' lone goal was scored on a power-play in the second period by Daniel Alfredsson, who capitalized on a cross-checking penalty on the Rangers' Michael Del Zotto.

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Rangers Vs. Senators Score, Game 7: New York Leads Ottawa, 2-1, After 2nd Period

Marc Staal and Dan Girardi each scored goals in the second period for the New York Rangers, which now lead the Ottawa Senators 2-1 after 40 minutes of play in Game 7 of a Eastern Conference quarterfinal contest at Madison Square Garden. The winner advance to the conference semifinals.

Staal scored the games' first goal just four minutes into the second period on a one-timer setup by Derek Stepan, who dished out a nice, cross-ice assists between the legs of Sens' defender Sergei Gonchar. Girardi scored on a slap-shot three minutes later to give New York a 2-0 advantage.

The Senators answered with a power-play goal by Daniel Alfredsson, who capitalized on a cross-checking penalty on the Rangers' Michael Del Zotto.

Overall, the Rangers out-shot the Senators 12-8 in the second period and now lead in total shots-on-goal, 20-18.

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Rangers Vs. Senators, Game 7 Score: New York, Ottawa End First Period In 0-0 Tie

It was a tale of two momentum swings in the first period of Game 7 between the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators, which ended in a 0-0 tie at Madison Square Garden. The winner moves onto the Eastern Conference semifinals and one step closer to the Stanly Cup Final.

Overall, the Senators out-shot the Rangers10-8, but New York had solid opportunities to score in the opening minutes. Scoring opportunities featured: Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson leaving an open net but the puck couldn't find itself over the goaline; and then Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik on a 2-on-1 breakaway that resulted in Anderson blocking a Gaborik shot, then a Carl Hagelin rebound.

Ottawa did have the only power-play opportunity, as Brandon Dubinksy went off for two minutes for holding with about four minutes remaining. However, the Rangers defense didn't allow a good scoring opportunity.

But from there, the Senators pelted the Rangers with shot-after-shot and New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist held tough.

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In Game 6, New York Didn't Play 'Desperate' Hockey, It Played 'Rangers' Hockey

Maybe desperation mode should be what the New York Rangers always operate off of. In their 3-2 Game 6 win over the Ottawa Senators, the New York Rangers lived to see another day -- at least one more on Madison Square Garden ice. Even before knotting the series at three games, the two wins before that never truly embodied the 2011-12 Rangers. Game 6 did.

Perhaps playing for their lives was the wake-up call the Eastern Conference's leading regular-season team required to jumpstart their game. The Blueshirts of this season haven't needed many of those, that's for sure. And when they did need them, it wasn't under the microcosm of a seven-game series, that turned to two and now is at one. Game 7 will tell a lot about the growth of this team, but if there's any indication from Game 6 it's that this year's version of the Rangers may have returned. It was present in Ottawa on Monday night, there's no doubt about that.

The Rangers had scored a total of three goals over their previous three games, and that resulted in one win. Playoff series are naturally more tightly played, and it seemed that Ottawa was taking a dose of the Rangers' playbook and sticking it to them during the two-game losing streak: grinding away, being physical and generally outworking the blue-collar Rangers.

Monday was a great sign for New York. Back came the sturdy play on defense, the group effort all over the ice and strong puck support. Back came the smart decision making in all ends of the ice. Most of all, though, back came the hard-working, out-working style that has become a staple of John Tortorella's group. Down 1-0 seven minutes into the game? The Rangers didn't panic, just like they haven't all season. They stuck with the 2011-12 program, and it ended up paying off as they battling back to force a Game 7.

You know the Rangers are clicking when there isn't one person to peg a win on. Monday night, you could name six players to give the "Broadway Hat" too. Derek Stepan broke out of a 10-game playoff slump with a goal and two assists. A determined Brad Richards showed difference-making capabilities, playing like a man that didn't want his season to end, scoring once and assisting on another. Then there's rookie Chris Kreider, who played 10:46 and netted the game-winner, after taking a goalie-interference penalty early in the second period. Henrik Lundqvist made a number of key saves (25 altogether), the last goal of which came controversially as the puck looked to be kicked in by Chris Neil, and then worsened by Neil pushing him away. And don't forget Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi, who tallied over 30 shifts and played almost half of the game. New York has its headliners, just like any team, but throughout the season it was always a team effort. That was evident Monday, and will obviously need to continue to keep the playoff run alive.

The Rangers don't play "beautiful" hockey. How many of the Rangers' 51 wins this season were played in that regard. Forty-nine shots the entire game, 22 for the Rangers. New York is successful on offense by dumping the puck in the offensive zone, winning puck battles and cycling. It's never fun to watch, and that type of offense returned Monday. It will never awe you with glamorous individual efforts. It will wow you with how hard it works in all zones.

Even more encouraging is that after losing the series' best forward, Brian Boyle, in Game 6, the Rangers rallied around each other and pulled through. It was a collective job for the entire team, such as the penalty killers for bouncing back for four straight kills after giving up one in the first period. Lundqvist was excellent, but the foundation by which this team has been modeled upon showed in Game 6 -- and that's a full commitment to defense by all five forwards.

The Rangers didn't play desperate hockey. That's just an excuse. They just played with the style that has made them one of the NHL's best this season.

Senators Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 6: New York Forces Games 7 With 3-2 Win

The New York Rangers awoke from their scoring funk just in time, scoring three goals in the second period to defeat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series on Monday night. The win forced a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, with the winner advancing to the second round of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Rangers benefitted twice off of a powerplay that had been anemic entering the game. Craig Anderson hadn't allowed a goal since the 6:10 mark in the first period of Game 4, but was finally beaten by Derek Stepan 8:55 into the second. With New York down 1-0, Stepan received a nice cross-ice pass from Brad Richards for the tip-in.

Stepan finished with three points on the night, after picking up an assist on each of the Rangers' next two goals. The first and final put New York up 3-1 in the waning seconds of the second period. Another nice feed found rookie Chris Kreider, who recorded the first goal of his promising career.

Henrik Lundqvist was outstanding throughout the game, but especially in the third period where he stopped the first 13 shots he faced including several from point-blank. He proved human eventually in the waning seconds of the game, however. The Sens had six skaters with Anderson on the bench, and Jason Spezza was able to punch the puck in net with 38 seconds until the end of regulation. The play went to video review when replay apparently showed the puck going off the skate of Chris Neil. The goal stood, however, bringing Ottawa back within one goal.

Ultimately it didn't matter. The Rangers held on for the 3-2 win to send the game back to New York.

For all news and information regarding the New York Rangers, please visit Blueshirt Banter. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 6: New York Leads 3-1 Thanks To Powerplay

The New York Rangers have completely turned around momentum in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Ottawa Senators. The Blueshirts scored three goals in the second period, two on powerplays, to take a 3-1 lead into the third period of the must-win game.

Derek Stepan put the Rangers on the board, ending Craig Anderson's long shutout streak on a powerplay with Milan Michalek in the box for holding Marc Staal. Stepan got a nice cross-ice pass from Brad Richards to set up the tip-in.

The Rangers next goal came with a 5-on-3 advantage. Ottawa fans were upset with both calls to put them at a two-man disadvantage, the first a hooking call on Filip Kuba and the second a goaltender interference on Nick Foligno. Regardless, the Rangers capitalized, this time on a pretty Richards slapshot through Anderson's five-hole.

Youngster Chris Kreider put New York up 3-1 late, and this time both teams were at full strength. Kreider took advantage of a nice crossing pass from Stepan.

Henrik Lundqvist had several big saves on the seven shots he faced in the period. He has now turned back 12 of 13 shots on goal for the game.

For all news and information regarding the New York Rangers, please visit Blueshirt Banter. For updates and perspective on the Ottawa Senators, head on over to Silver Seven. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

Senators Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 6: New York Trails 1-0 After 1st Period

The New York Rangers appeared destined for a storybook year and a serious run at the Stanley Cup for most of the 2011-12 NHL season. Those hopes are all on the verge of crashing down on Monday, as the Rangers are down three games to two and facing elimination by the hometown Ottawa Senators. Entering the first intermission, the Rangers trail 1-0.

The Sens wasted little time in opening the scoring, as Chris Neil netted a power play goal at 7:05 in the first period.

There is certainly no shortage of emotion in the game. In the last five minutes of the period, there was a lengthy fight between Neil and Brandon Prust.

While the Rangers still have plenty of time to regroup and pull off the win to force a Game 7, they will need to pull out all the stops if they hope to defeat the surprising No. 8 seed Senators.

For all news and information regarding the New York Rangers, please visit Blueshirt Banter. For updates and perspective on the Ottawa Senators, head on over to Silver Seven. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Senators Vs. Rangers Game 6: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

New York Rangers' Lack Of Offense Rearing Its Head

The Rangers' lack of scoring punch is a huge factor in them trailing 3-2 to the Ottawa Senators.

Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 5: Senators Top Rangers, Seize Series Momentum

A regular-season with 100 points wasn't supposed to be lead to an all-they-can handle opening playoff series, but that's exactly what the New York Rangers find themselves in after dropping a 2-0 decision to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.

The win puts the eighth-seeded Senators in the driver's seat of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series, up three games to two and headed home to play in what will assuredly be a raucous game six crowd.

Henrik Lundqvist was his usual spectacular self on Saturday for New York, stopping all but one of the 29 shots that he faced. The opening period goal that he allowed to Jason Spezza proved to be the difference, as the Rangers were no match for Ottawa goalkeeper Craig Anderson, who had by far his best night of the series.

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Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 5: Ottawa Hangs Onto 1-0 Edge

Henrik Lundqvist was perfect for the New York Rangers in the second period of game five versus the Ottawa Senators. Problem is, so too was his net minding counterpart, Craig Anderson, who has kept his team up on Blueshirts 1-0.

The Rangers continue to control play, having racked up 26 shots, including 12 in the second period. But they've yet to find a way to solve Anderson, who is having his sharpest night of the playoffs thus far.

The winner of tonight's action will take a 3-2 lead in the series. With the Pittsburgh Penguins staving off elimination on Friday night against Philadelphia, each of the four quarterfinal match ups in the Eastern Conference will last at least six games.

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Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 5: Rangers Trail 1-0 After One Period

The New York Rangers trail the Ottawa Senators by one goal after the first period of the two teams fifth game of a seven game series, in the first round of the 2012 NHL Playoffs.

Jason Spezza scored the game's only goal and was assisted by Mark Stone and Flip Kuba. The Rangers out-shot the Senators 14-9 in the first period and out-hit them17-8, yet still trail after one. The Rangers finished the regular season with the best season in the Eastern Conference.

Below is a video of Spezza's goal:

The winner of Saturday's game will take a 3-2 series lead, with the other team one game away from elimination. Game six is scheduled in Ottawa. The remainder of the game can be seen on NBC Sports Network.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators Game 5: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators, Game 4: Kyle Turris' Overtime Goal Gives Ottawa 3-2 Win, Ties Series

The New York Rangers had a chance to take a 3-1 lead in their 2012 NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference opening round series with the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. Instead, the Senators evened things up at two games apiece with an overtime goal from Kyle Turris that gave them a 3-2 win.

Turris came racing down the left side of the ice at the 2:42 mark in the first overtime period. Bearing down on Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist, who had been solid in net all night, Turris flicked a wrister into the net for his first career overtime goal, in either the regular season or the playoffs. It was his first goal of the series as well. Video of the game-winning goal below.

Anton Stralman and Ryan Callahan scored in the first for the Rangers, giving the Blueshirts a 2-0 lead with two periods left to play. Milan Michalek and Sergei Gonchar tied it in the second period, and the teams skated to a stalemate in the third.

Tied at 2-2, the series returns to Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators: Scoreless Third Period Send Game 4 To Overtime

The New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are headed to overtime. Neither team could break a 2-2 tie in the third period, sending the game into sudden death overtime.

NHL overtime rules dictate that the first team to score in overtime wins. Teams play a 20-minute periods, with normal 15-minute intermissions until someone scores a goal. A win tonight would give New York a commanding 3-1 series lead. For Ottawa, an overtime win would not only tie the series, it could give them a healthy burst of momentum.

Henrik Lundqvist stopped nine shots in net for the Rangers, getting back into his fine first-period form. Craig Anderson held back 11 shots from the Rangers as both goalies went a long way toward keeping things scoreless in the final frame of regulation.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators Game 4: Lundqvist Less Than Perfect As Ottawa Ties It 2-2 In The Second Period

The New York Rangers allowed a two-goal lead to lapse in the second period of their fourth game against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. Ottawa scored two ten minutes apart to make it a 2-2 tie after the second period.

Milan Michalek tallied the Senators' first goal of the night seven minutes into the middle frame. Assisted by Matt Carkner and Jason Spezza, Michalek put a backhanded shot in the back of the net after a Rangers power play lapsed. Ten minutes later, with the man advantage after Artem Anisimov left the ice for tripping Spezza, Sergei Gonchar fired a long slap shot from the top of the zone to tie the game.

Ottawa fired off nine shots at Henrik Lundqvist, who looked unstoppable in the first period. Craig Anderson turned away seven shots from the Rangers who failed to convert two power play chances in the period.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators: Two Power Play Goals Give New York 2-0 Lead After First Period

Boarding, tripping, more boarding, roughing ... it was a touchy first period of play between the New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators. The Rangers cashed in one the man advantage, netting two power play goals that gave them a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.

Senators winger Zack Smith went to penalty box less than a minute into the game for boarding Ryan McDonagh. New York struck quick. Anton Stralman put in a long wrist shot for a goal exactly ten seconds into the power play. He was assisted by Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. Five minutes later, Erik Karlsson earned two minutes for tripping Artem Anisimov. Ryan Callahan scored to give the Rangers their second power play goal.

Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist was big blue brick wall, turning away 12 shots. Craig Anderson struggled in the face of the Rangers' assault with 10 saves on 12 shots.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Senators Vs. Rangers Game 4: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Senators Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 3: Henrik Lundqvist Spectacular In 1-0 Win

The New York Rangers won Game 3 of their opening series against the Ottawa Senators in the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Henrik Lundqvist was sensational, stopping all 39 shots against at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. Lundqvist especially shined in the closing seconds of the game, when he stopped two great scoring opportunities by Kyle Turris with the Senators using six skaters.

It was Brian Boyle who finally broke the scoreless tie that held for over 47 minutes. An odd bounce off the side piping of the net went straight to Boyle's stick, and then he backhanded the puck across the face of Craig Anderson into the net to put the Rangers up 1-0 for good.

New York caught Anderson napping on the play, but to put any blame on the goaltender would be unfair. He was just as good in net as Lundqvist for most of the night, turning back 22 of 23 shots faced. The Senators survived a scare earlier in the second period, as Ruslan Fedotenko and Brandon Prust were able to get the puck behind Anderson but were somehow unable to put it in the net.

With the win, the Rangers take a 2-1 lead in the series. The two teams will face off in Ottawa for Game 4 on Wednesday, before going back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5.

For more coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to check out our blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. Also take a peek at our StoryStream and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Senators Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 3: Still Scoreless After Exciting Second Period

The New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators are still tied 0-0 through two periods during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series. There was much more action than in the first stanza, however. The Senators created more scoring opportunities through the first 10 minutes or so, but the Rangers picked things up late. They arguably should have beat goaltender Craig Anderson on a rebound that bounced across the goal-line in front of the net.

Henrik Lundqvist was just as spectacular on the on the other end of the ice, turning back all 13 of the Senators' shots on goal. If the second period was any indication, we should be in for an exciting finish in the third. That's assuming either team can beat a pair of hot goaltenders, however.

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Senators Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 3: Scoreless Through 1st Period

The New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators are tied up at 0-0 through the first period of Monday night's Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series game of the 2012 NHL Playoffs. The two teams stuck to playing hockey for the most part, especially when compared to Saturday's fight night. Unfortunately, so far it appears the offensive fireworks went out with the hot tempers.

There was one kerfuffle with 5:39 left in the period that took place around the Senators net. Events didn't escalate to an overly disruptive level, however. Brian Boyle and Jason Spezza were both booked for roughing one another, but Brandon Prust was also charged to give the Senators a powerplay.

Chris Kreider played well, joining the lineup in place of the suspended Carl Hagelin. He logged just over four minutes on the ice, but didn't make much of an impact on the stat sheet. The Senators lead with 12 shots on goal to eight for the Rangers, but have also given away the puck six times to zero.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Senators Vs. Rangers Game 3: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Carl Hagelin Suspension: New York Rangers Will Miss Winger

Carl Hagelin Suspended 3 Games For Hit On Daniel Alfredsson

Carl Hagelin has been suspended for the next three games of the New York Rangers' 2012 NHL Playoffs series against the Ottawa Senators after elbowing Daniel Alfredsson in the head and knocking the forward out of the game during Game 2 on Saturday. Brendan Shanahan explained how the suspension was reached in the video below.

Alfredsson's status for the upcoming games is still unknown, though he looked very shaken coming off the ice. Shanahan said the league factored in that an injury was sustained on the play, as well as that Hagelin has not been suspended previously in determining the length of the suspension. Hagelin did receive a five-minute major penalty for the hit midway through the second period.

With the series heading to Ottawa for two games, Hagelin's absence could be huge. The rookie forward recorded an assist Thursday night. The Rangers may use another rookie, Chris Kreider, to fill Hagelin's spot in the lineup.

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Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs: New York Falls To An Overtime Goal Against Ottawa

The New York Rangers lost to the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime Saturday night in Game 2 of their 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference opening round series at Madison Square Garden.

Chris Neil’s first-ever playoff goal 1:17 into overtime gave Ottawa the victory and evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

Brian Boyle scored just 2:41 into the third period to give New York the 3-2. The Senators responded late in the third period when Nick Foligno shot a bouncing puck off of Zenon Konopka to tie the score at 2-2 with just 4:37 left in regulation.

Anton Stralman had New York's other goal. Erik Karlsson also scored for Ottawa.

The game was marred by penalties, and both Brandon Dubinsky of the Rangers and Matt Carkner of Ottawa received game misconducts barely two minutes into the contest.

Game 3 will be played Monday night in Ottawa. Game 4 will also be in Ottawa Wednesday, with the series returning to New York for Game 5 on Saturday.

Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 Playoffs: New York And Ottawa Are Tied After Three Periods

The Rangers and Senators each scored in the period to keep the game tied at 2-2. Brian Boyle scored first in the period to give New York the early lead. Assisting on the play was Ruslan Fedotenko and Michael Del Zotto.

The Senators responded late in the period when Nick Foligno shoots a bouncing puck off of Zenon Konopka to tie the score at 2-2.

Rangers Goalie Henrik Lundqvist has 18 saves in the game. The Rangers have 21 shots on goal against the Senators Craig Anderson.

The Rangers won the first Game 4-1. The next game is in Ottawa. New York Goalie Lundqvist had 30 saves in the first game. The Rangers missed out on 4 powerplay chances in Game 1.

New York lost the season series three games to one while being outscored 14-8.

Game 3 will be played on Mon, Apr 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Ottawa.

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Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 2: Rangers Lead 1-0 After One; Fights Galore

The first period of the second game between the Rangers and Senators has been an interesting one, to say the least. Ottawa has already racked up a whopping 26 penalty minutes, and the Rangers aren't far behind with 19. Matt Carkner and Brandon Dubinsky both received 10 minute game misconduct penalties, just two minutes into the game. Check out the .gif below to see what happened:

As you can imagine, Brandon Dubinsky was not happy. He took his frustrations out on an innocent Gatorade cooler.

Another fight broke out a few minutes later, between Brian Boyle and Chris Neil.

Amongst all the horseplay, the Rangers managed to score a goal and lead the Senators, one to nothing, after one period of play. The remainder of the game can be found on NBCSN.

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2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators Game 2: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Rangers Vs. Senators Recap: Rangers Cruise, Lead Series 1-0

The New York Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night by a final score of 4-2, in Game One of the first round in the 2012 NHL Playoffs. The Rangers now lead the best-of-seven series, 1-0.

Henrik Lundqvist was the star of the game, saving 30 of the 32 shots he faced. The four Rangers' goals were scored by Ryan Callahan, Marian Gaborik, Brian Boyle and Brad Richards. Artem Anisimov finished with two assists.

The Rangers led 3-0 after two periods and tacked on a fourth goal in the third, but Ottawa was able to make it respectable with two late goals.

Game two is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.

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Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 1: New York Wins Game 1, 4-2

The New York Rangers added another goal in the third period of Thursday night's Game 1 matchup against the Ottawa Senators, on their to a 4-2 win. Brad Richards notched his first goal of the postseason but Carl Hagelin did most of the work, poking the puck away from Nick Foligno behind the Senators net and giving a quick pass to set up a one-timer.

Henrik Lundqvist pitched a shutout for nearly 50 minutes, but was finally beaten on a relatively weak goal given up just before the midway point of the third period. The Rangers seemed to have their defenders in place, but lost track of Daniel Alfredsson as he drifted in front of the net unchecked for an easy one-timer. New York fell asleep once again with under three minutes to go, arriving late to a Foligno pass to Erik Condra across the front of the net for another easy one-timer on an open goal.

Other than those two big defensive lapses, New York looked much crisper for much of the night. Though they were outshot 32-31 they created more quality opportunities. Lundqvist was solid between the pipes notwithstanding two goals more attributable to poor defense. New York held Ottawa scoreless on all four of their powerplay opportunities.

For more coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to check out our blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. Also take a peek at our StoryStream and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 1: New York Extends Lead, Up 3-0 After Second Period

The New York Rangers have seemingly taken control of Thursday's Game 1 of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators. Marian Gaborik punched the puck in with 3:36 to go until the third period to give the Blueshirts a 2-0 lead.

Just 2:42 later, a Brian Boyle slapshot had the Rangers up 3-0, putting the Senators in a deep hole to climb out of for the third period.

The Rangers outshot the Senators 12-11 for the period, but have seemingly had many more quality opportunities. They nearly scored again coming off a Senators' powerplay.

Ryan McDonagh got tagged for tripping, but the Rangers were able to kill of the powerplay early in the period. New York was put on a powerplay after Filip Kuba was booked for hooking, but oddly enough both of their goals came just before and just after their man advantage.

For more coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to check out our blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. Also take a peek at our StoryStream and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Rangers Vs. Senators, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 1, First-Period Score: New York Leads, 1-0

The New York Rangers lead the Ottawa Senators, 1-0, after the first period of play from Madison Square Garden in the first game of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

After failing to capitalize on an early power-play opportunity, Ryan Callahan gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead at the 12:01 mark with a quick reaction goal. Callahan picked up the puck after a shot from the point and spun toward the net. He curved his blade down to keep the puck on the ice and slipped it in between the post and the skate of Senators goalie Craig Anderson. Anton Stralman and Artem Anisimov assisted on the goal.

Henrik Lundqvist was perfect in net for the Blueshirts, stopping all 13 of Ottawa's shot attempts in the first period. Anderson stopped seven of the Rangers' shots. The game did get chippy after the goal but there were no fights...yet. However, Erik Karlsson and Brian Boyle both went to the box in the later stages of the first period for roughing.

For more coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to check out our blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. Also take a peek at our StoryStream and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

NHL Playoffs 2012: New York Rangers Off Twitter For Stanley Cup Playoffs Run

The New York Rangers have unleashed a new way to get ready for the NHL Playoffs: They are swearing off Twitter.

According to WFAN, coach John Tortorella laughed when asked whether he gave the directive to stop Tweeting, and the players would not reveal what caused their Tweet ban. But the Rangers took turns saying goodbye to their followers before the playoffs started.

WFAN rounded up some of the goodbye Tweets:

"Hey guys!" tweeted goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. "No twitter during playoffs. ... Thanks for all the support! You guys are great!"

Marian Gaborik: "Twitter off for playoffs! Wish us luck. Ttyl #therealseasonbegins"

Michael Del Zotto: "Focussing on playoffs and our team goals. Taking a twitter break. Always appreciate the support from blueshirt fans! #therightway"

For more coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to check out our blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. Also take a peek at our StoryStream and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Senators Game 1: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

NHL Playoffs 2012: Rangers-Senators Preview

The New York Rangers begin their quest for their fifth Stanley Cup on Thursday when they kick off the first-round series with the Ottawa Senators.

Just because the Sens are the eighth seed, doesn't mean they should be taken easily. Ottawa earned points in three of the four games versus the Rangers this season, winning three of the four, including once in a shootout. Altogether, New York was outscored 13-8.

Over the course of the season, the Rangers were actually an inferior offense, putting up 226 goals (11th in the league) to the Senators' 249 (fourth). On the forward side, the Senators are led by center Jason Spezza, who tallied 84 points this season, 24 on the power play, Milan Michalek (35 goals, 60 points) and Daniel Alfredsson (27 and 32). The team's most valuable player, though, may be defenseman Erik Karlsson, who ranked second on the team and led all blueliners with an extraordinary 78 points, 59 of which were assists. He had 28 points on the power play.

Defense Key 1: Beyond keeping the Sens' top trio in check, the Rangers need to find a way to limit Karlsson's play-making ability. His ability to get shots through and create offense stretches the defense and allows the other forwards to get good looks. A big key to this series will be limiting his creative space and blocking his shots from the point. The Rangers are one of the league's top shot-blocking teams and that sort of sacrifice -- along with physicality -- will be needed in this series.

Defense Key 2: Ottawa has a pretty good power play, 11th in the league, but regardless, you never want to give away any sort of advantage in any game, let alone series. One power play could lead to one goal that leads to one win that changes the complexion of the series. The Rangers finished fifth in the league in penalty killing, and it's something that will need to continue to shine during this series.

The Rangers are led by their big-money forwards, Marian Gaborik (41 goals, 76 points) and Brad Richards (25, 66). But their identity is shown through their captain, Ryan Callahan, who notched a career-high 29 goals and 54 points.

Offense Key 1: Obviously, no team is going to survive a playoff series without its best players performing, so Gaborik's continued scoring success and Richards' end-of-the-season play and playoff success will be crucial. New York needs its secondary scorers -- Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle -- to produce. That has been an issue all season and is a reason why there is debate about newly-signed Boston College forward Chris Kreider joining the lineup as he's a big body with legitimate scoring ability.

Offense Key 2: Ottawa is not a very good penalty-killing team (20th in the league), and New York isn't very good with the man advantage at 23rd. The Sens have gone shorthanded the third-most times in the league, so the Rangers will have their opportunity on the power play. While the season-ending numbers don't look good, the fact they scored eight power-play goals over their last six games is promising and something they need to build off of.

The biggest difference in this series is each team's defense and who the teams put between the pipes. New York finished the year with a plus-39 goal differential, while Ottawa was only plus-nine. Despite scoring 23 more goals, it allowed 53 more than the Rangers. With a 39-18-5 record, 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage, Henrik Lundqvist is a frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy. The Sens' Craig Anderson has been solid, but with a 33-22-6 record, 2.83 GAA and .914 SV%, his inconsistency is apparent. In order for the Sens to extend this series, they'll need Anderson to carry them and avoid the dips that have plagued his season (and his career). Of course, the Rangers need Lundqvist (15-20, 2.60 GAA, .909 SV%) to perform better than he has in past postseasons too.

Here's all at the schedule and TV coverage for this series:

Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist Earns Cover Honor For Sports Illustrated's NHL Playoff Issue

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: The New York Rangers And New Jersey Devils Get Going This Week

It's finally that time of year in the NHL. The 82-game regular season has come to a close and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us after six months of jockeying for position.

The New York Rangers have put themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference, taking home ice advantage for the first time since 1996 in a series.

John Tortorella's group finished with 109 points and will now play the Ottawa Senators, a team the Rangers actually lost to three out of four times this year. New York should still be the heavy favorite, but don't discount the pesky Senators, who most expected to be among the conference's cellar-dwellers at the beginning of the campaign.

For a complete look at the Rangers first round schedule, click here.

The New Jersey Devils are a different story altogether.

Behind the dynamic duo of Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, New Jersey accumulated 102 points which was only good enough for fourth place, in the Atlantic Division.

The sixth-seeded Devils will start the postseason against the Florida Panthers, who have been brutal down the stretch but hung on to the Southeast crown. Nobody is more favored going into their match-up than New Jersey.

For a complete look at the Devils first round schedule, click here.

For more coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to check out our blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. Also take a peek at our StoryStream and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NHL Playoffs: New York Rangers Preview

2012 NHL Playoffs Schedule: Rangers Face Senators And The Rest Of The Eastern Conference Match-Ups

The 2012 NHL regular season concluded on Saturday, and the results finalized the first-round pairings and schedule for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers earned the top seed and will face the No. 8-seeded Ottawa Senators beginning on Thursday.

Over the course of the regular season, the Rangers went 1-3 against the Senators. Ottawa will feature goaltender Craig Anderson (2.84 goals against average and .914-save percentage) and top scorer Jason Spezza (34 goals, 50 assists, 84 points).

If New York is able to down Ottawa, it will move on to play the lowest remaining seed in the next round, while if the Senators earn a series victory, they will play the highest remaining seed.

Here's all at the schedule and TV coverage for this anticipated series:

Here's how the rest of the Eastern Conference shapes out.

No. 2 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Washington Capitals: The Caps won the season-series 3-1.
No. 3 Florida Panthers vs. No. 6 New Jersey Devils: The regular-season series was split 2-2.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers: This inter-state rivalry featured Flyers winning the season series 4-2

Here's what the Western Conference looks like: