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Tokarski shines, Canadiens beat Rangers 3-2 in OT; trail Eastern Conference final 2-1

Ed Mulholland / USA TODAY Sports

After losing two games at home to open the Eastern Conference final, the Montreal Canadiens found a way to win Game 3 in overtime on the big stage at Madison Square Garden. Alex Galchenyuk ended the festivities just 1:12 into the extra frame, redirecting the puck past Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and helping his team earn an important win.

Carl Hagelin opened the scoring near the end of the opening frame, deftly batting the puck out of midair and behind Dustin Tokarski after defenseman Josh Gorges made an initial save with his glove. 

Andrei Markov responded 3:20 into the second period with a snap shot past Lundqvist, and the score remained level for another full period's worth of time - despite the fact the Rangers largely dominated possession - until Daniel Briere put the Canadiens ahead with just over three minutes left in regulation. 

But the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs have been wont to provide late-game heroics, and the game was sent to overtime after a Chris Kreider tip shot went off the skate of Alexei Emelin and behind Tokarski at 19:31 of the third period.

Rangers forward Daniel Carcillo was assessed a game misconduct for elbowing an official, which could be bad news for the Rangers in Game 4.

Star Performer

Simply put, the Canadiens would not have been in a position to win this game were it not for the stellar play of Tokarski. The 24-year-old made 35 saves, thwarting the relentless Rangers' attack (as evidenced below):

[Courtesy Extra Skater]

Two saves off the stick of Martin St. Louis stand out in particular.

The first occurred early in the second period with the game all square at one.

The second came late in the third just prior to the Rangers' game-tying goal.

Tokarski's performance lent evidence to the fact that Montreal may indeed be in good hands even without the services of Carey Price.

Turning Point

As the chart posted above demonstrates, the Rangers "deserved" to win if you look at which team had the most attempts on net. As such, the game appeared to be trending ever in their favor, until it wasn't. Galchenyuk's goal in overtime, therefore, proved to be the ultimate turning point (of no return).

Highlight Reel

Hagelin's game-opening goal was quite a sight to behold, if only for the unconventional way in which it occurred.

On the ugly side of things, Brandon Prust may be in line for supplemental discipline after this late hit on Derek Stepan in the first period.

Quote of the Night

Tokarski was interviewed by Scott Oake on Hockey Night in Canada after the game, and the consensus seems to be that he'll be Montreal's goalie for the foreseeable future - or at least until Price is ready to return.

Series Recap

Game 1: Rangers 7, Canadiens 2 (Rangers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Rangers 3, Canadiens 1 (Rangers lead 2-0)
Game 3: Canadiens 3, Rangers 2 (OT) (Rangers lead 2-1)
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

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