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.
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.