Lundqvist shines as Rangers build 2-0 series lead over Canadiens with convincing 3-1 victory
With another dominant performance on enemy ice, the New York Rangers took full advantage of Carey Price's absence, building a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final with a convincing 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
In support of surprise starter Dustin Tokarski, the Habs' initial response to the 7-2 shellacking they received Saturday in Game 1 was the appropriate one. Almost symbolically, Tokarski made his first save of the series on New York's emotional leader, Martin St. Louis, just moments before previously-maligned forward Max Pacioretty struck for the Canadiens' first lead of the series.
Price was forgotten. It lasted 17 seconds.
Before the Bell Centre faithful could reclaim their seats, a hapless Tokarski was fooled by Ryan McDonagh's deflected point shot. Then, with 62 seconds left in the first period, Rick Nash sucked the remaining air from the Bell Centre, cleanly beating Montreal's replacement-level starter.
From there, Tokarski's counterpart, Henrik Lundqvist, avoided a retaliatory submarine as he cooled Canadiens shooters with 40 saves, and the only retribution Chris Kreider felt was smatterings of boos when he found the puck on his stick.
Star performer
Aside from shovelling a loose puck into the chest of Pacioretty and having it bounce into the back of his net, Lundqvist was perfect.
He made 19 of his 40 saves in the final period, anchoring a dominant defensive effort as continues to gain momentum and tranquillity in the Rangers' goal as the postseason wears on. Sporting a 1.50 GAA and 0.954 Sv.% through two games in Montreal, Lundqvist has been at his best so far in the Eastern Final.
Turning point
Perturbed by Price's injury, the Bell Centre was awarded clearance to resume its boisterous being following Pacioretty's first-period goal, but after McDonagh provided an answer 17 seconds later, the wilting began.
Highlight reel
As the Rangers collectively clamped down, St. Louis would make due on his second opportunity. On a power play in the second period, the diminutive forward put every once into a riser from the high slot, rendering his adversary completely unworthy.
Quote of the night
His words may be rooted in protecting his own, but Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien was quite impressed by the performance of Lundqvist.
Michel Therrien: "The reason we lost the game was Lundqvist. Lundqvist was phenomenal. Phenomenal. Stole the game."
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 20, 2014
Series at a glance
The Rangers will aim for a 3-0 series lead Thursday when the scene shifts to Broadway.
Game 1: Rangers 7, Canadiens 2 (Rangers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Rangers 3, Canadiens 1 (Rangers lead 2-0)
Game 3: Thursday, May 22 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 4: Sunday, May 25 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Tuesday, May 27 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Thursday, May 29 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Saturday, May 31 - 8:00 p.m. ET