AP On a big night of NHL games, the New York Rangers made a serious argument that they’re the best team in the Eastern Conference.
The first-ranked Rangers topped the second place Boston Bruins 3-0 thanks in large part to Henrik Lundqvist‘s brilliance. The superb Swede stopped all 42 Bruins shots while New York scored three on just 20 attempts against defending Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas.
(This is probably a good time to note that Lundqvist hasn’t won a Vezina in his otherwise distinguished career.)
Sure, the shutout had its odd moment as what seemed like a Bruins goal actually went in a little hole in the side of the net, but that’s all that “got past” Lundqvist. Maybe it’s extreme to say that this was a statement game overall, but it certainly could qualify as such for Lundqvist.
The Ryans (Callahan and McDonagh) once again scored a goal apiece as the Rangers frustrated the Bruins.
This inspires two nearly unavoidable questions:
1. Is Lundqvist running away with the Vezina right now?
2. Does this prove that the Rangers are indeed the best team in the East at the moment? If not, who’s your choice?
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Scuderi on Kovalchuk and Parise: “Anytime we can keep those guys off the score sheet, we’ve got a chance to win”
May 31, 2012, 12:50 AM EDT
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While one player was apparent, another had a miserable game.
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Brown on Prudential Center ice: “It was like playing with a tennis ball, quite honestly”
May 31, 2012, 12:43 AM EDT
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“It was like playing with a tennis ball, quite honestly.”
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It might be tough to keep his team from getting a little cocky.
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A sign of things to come?
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There’s a little bit more to this game-winning goal, though.
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Devils coach: “I don’t believe we deserved to win that game”
May 31, 2012, 12:15 AM EDT
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Some New Jersey players called it the team’s worst performance of 2012 playoffs.
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Kopitar on beating Brodeur for game-winner: “World class goaltender, but I think I got the best of it tonight”
May 31, 2012, 12:13 AM EDT
He became the first King to score a Stanley Cup finals OT goal in the process.
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The vast majority of Game 1 winners have gone on to hoist the Stanley Cup.
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What they’re saying about Game 1 of the 2012 Stanley Cup finals
May 30, 2012, 11:49 PM EDT
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Even Tommy Lasorda shared his thoughts.
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Video: Parise gloves in go-ahead goal, officials wave it off
May 30, 2012, 11:49 PM EDT
The Devils had a key third-period lead…and then they didn’t.
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Discuss: Kings’ road dominance continues, beat Devils 2-1 in OT
May 30, 2012, 11:24 PM EDT
Anze Kopitar wins it midway through the first extra session.
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Win or lose, we’ll probably see him playing with New Jersey in 2012-13.
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NHL commish supports Isles owner Charles Wang’s efforts.
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Blue Jackets on No. 2 pick: “We’re doing everything in our power to get it right”
May 30, 2012, 9:45 PM EDT
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They might just be drafting the new face of their franchise,after all.
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Check out the five minute interview with the NHL commissioner.
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PHT Live Chat — Stanley Cup finals Game 1: Los Angeles at New Jersey
May 30, 2012, 9:13 PM EDT
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Chat with PHT’s Mike Halford and Jason Brough throughout the game.
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A fun video feature from NBC’s experts.
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AP
“It’s the right way to play.”
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The goal is for Hossa to be back by training camp.
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Despite reports to the contrary, the deadline is not July 1 to refinance or settle their debt.
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