Getty Images The New York Rangers still need to win eight more playoff games to win a Stanley Cup this year, but Henrik Lundqvist already shook a monkey off his back. The Washington Capitals bounced his Rangers out of the playoffs twice before – once in a Game 7, then last year – so Lundqvist told Andrew Gross and others that it probably added a little extra urgency.
“Losing two series against them, it felt like we needed to get this one,” Lundqvist said.
(One cannot help but wonder if Lundqvist used the wrong pronoun and instead should have said “I needed to get this one.”)
With this win, the Rangers are now 5-0 in franchise history when they play Game 7 contests at Madison Square Garden. John Tortorella might have captured the vibe best – and as only he can – by calling home ice advantage “garbage” until that deciding contest comes along. Torts admitted that having those matches at MSG made a difference.
Brian Boyle described how it felt to play a Game 7 at MSG (and most importantly, win).
“It’s an accomplishment,” Boyle said. “We’re not satisfied yet. But it was a lot of fun to play in that one.”
If the Rangers keep winning, then the fun’s only about to begin.
-
Getty Images
The goaltender was told he’ll stay.
-
Getty Images
His annual cap hit is a hefty $7,727,273.
-
Getty Images
Coburn might be heading the other way.
-
He also loves 2013 NHL Draft prospect Darnell Nurse.
-
Getty Images
The coach already had him picked as Plan B if Marian Hossa couldn’t play.
-
Getty Images
Blackhawks coach knows his team has to improve in those areas.
-
AP
Stemming from his arrest in 2011.
-
“I’ve got a nice little scratch mark on my forehead from the claw marks.”
-
Getty Images
23-year-old defenseman had six goals in the playoffs.
-
Preds stay busy, ink Henderson to two-year, $1.1 million deal
Jun 18, 2013, 4:13 PM EDT
26-year-old made his NHL debut last season.
-
Pegula ‘concerned’ about Miller and Vanek, wants to keep them in Buffalo
Jun 18, 2013, 3:26 PM EDT
Getty Images
But will they stay?
-
Getty Images
Could an NHL team one day call it home?
-
Sharks, Couture reportedly agree to five-year, $30 million extension
Jun 18, 2013, 3:07 PM EDT
As per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
-
Getty Images
He’s still “day-to-day” with his injury.
-
He’s been given permission to seek employment elsewhere.
-
Getty Images
“We don’t care about calling certain guys superstars on our team,” said the coach.
-
AP
Hey, he did take two weeks off.
-
AP
The Isles are one team that’s reportedly interested.
-
Former North Dakota standout was a 2009 Panthers draftee.
-
Getty Images
The No. 2 overall pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is ready to go.
