Lundqvist, Rangers hold off Capitals to even series in Game 2
Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers avoided allowing another late goal by the Washington Capitals after holding a lead for almost all of Saturday's Game 2, tying their second-round series at one game apiece with a 3-2 victory in the process.
Star Performer: Chris Kreider was a thorn in Washington's side all game. The speedy forward put the Rangers ahead 38 seconds into the contest, hit a post in the second period, and forced Braden Holtby to make a beautiful pad save to deny what should have been his second goal. He also threw his weight around with four hits and was named the game's first star.
Turning Point: Derick Brassard's goal 6:07 into the third period restored a two-goal lead for New York, one they needed when Alex Ovechkin scored an unbelievable goal four minutes later.
Goalie Comparison: Lundqvist finished with 30 saves, including great stops on Ovechkin and Evgeni Kuznetsov. Holtby was slightly busier and allowed one more crucial goal than his counterpart.
| Goalie | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holtby | 35 | 3 | 32 | .914 |
| Lundqvist | 32 | 2 | 30 | .938 |
Top Highlight: Ovechkin showed once again why he is the best active goal-scorer in hockey with a mind-boggling display in the third period. He gained speed through the neutral zone and split the Rangers' defense before firing a top-corner shot while falling to the ice. The goal of the playoffs, so far.
Stat of the Day: Ovechkin was credited with a game-high nine hits - five more than any New York player.
Series at a glance
Game 1: Capitals 2, Rangers 1
Game 2: Rangers 3, Capitals 2
Game 3: Monday, May 4, 7:30 pm ET
Game 4: Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 pm ET
Game 5: Friday, May 8, 7 pm ET
*Game 6: Sunday, May 10, TBD
*Game 7: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
*If necessary