The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals, 2-1, Saturday in Game 7 of their 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series. The Rangers now advance to the Eastern Conference finals, where they will face the New Jersey Devils. The Devils got there by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers.

Brad Richards scored in the first two minutes for New York, and Michael Del Zotto gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead midway through the final period. Roman Hamrlik scored seconds later for the Capitals. That left the Rangers with a 2-1 lead, which they managed to hold on to until the closing horn.

Here is Del Zotto's goal:

Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist was nearly perfect,making 22 saves The Rangers were also able to kill a late penalty when Marc Staal was called for delay of game.

-- Blueshirt Banter is your home for Rangers news and analysis, and if the Capitals are your team then Japers' Rink has you covered.