Lundqvist sharp as Rangers down Devils
New York, NY (Sports Network) - Henrik Lundqvist made 41 saves, and the New York Rangers scored three times in the second period to post a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden.
Marian Gaborik netted his team-leading 35th goal of the season, while Ryan Callahan had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who won for just the second time in their last nine games.
"He played very well," said New York head coach John Tortorella about Lundqvist. "He made some good saves early. When they mounted on us in the third period, he made some great saves. We need it, that is how you win. We are not the only team, every team that wins gets goaltending. Henrik is the backbone. He played very well tonight."
Dainius Zubrus lit the lamp for New Jersey, which has dropped five of seven. Martin Brodeur allowed three goals on 25 shots to take the loss. The lone bright spot for the Devils was left winger Patrik Elias, who returned to the lineup after missing 10 games with a concussion. He picked up the lone assist on Zubrus' tally.
After a scoreless first period, Gaborik put New York on the board with a power-play goal at 7:20. Just 56 seconds later, Callahan fired a long wrist shot that beat Brodeur on the glove side. Chris Drury made it 3-0 midway through the middle stanza.
Zubrus scored at 11:11 of the third period to make it a two-goal game, but the Devils, who scored three times in the final three minutes on Friday to stun Toronto, could not muster a comeback this time.
Game Notes
The Rangers finished 1-for-3 on the power play, while New Jersey went 0- for-5...The Devils have lost 12 of their last 18 games at MSG.
