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.