Associated Press
In his latest playoff gem, Henrik Lundqvist had little time to do more than stop every breakaway or 2-on-1 New Jersey shot his way. When he took a moment to breathe, Lundqvist had all the confidence his Rangers would bail him out with a goal or two.
"You know sooner or later it's going to turn," he said. "It's going to turn in our favor."
Unlike those dozens of Devils' shots, his feeling was on the mark.
Lundqvist had 36 saves, and Dan Girardi, Chris Kreider and Ryan Callahan scored third-period goals to lead the Rangers to a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.
Girardi and Kreider scored goals only 1 minute, 57 seconds apart early in the third to seize the momentum in a packed building with fans of both teams at a fever pitch, and give the Blueshirts a 2-1 series lead. Indeed it was a quick span the Devils may long regret, especially after they dominated long stretches of Game 3.
"We played a real good hockey game," Devils coach Peter DeBoer said. "We lost. We gotta find a way to score a goal."
The Rangers did, and they left head coach John Tortorella singing the praises of his goalie after the win.
"He a great competitor," Tortorella said, "as far as his preparation and as far as what he does for this hockey club."
Game 4 is Monday in New Jersey.
• COMMENT ON BLUESHIRTS UNITED | PHOTO GALLERY
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STATS OF THE GAME
The Rangers remain undefeated at Prudential Center in the playoffs, posting a record of 4-0 including three wins during their 2008 Easter Conference Quarterfinal series. Chris Kreider is now tied for seventh in the NHL, and first among league rookies, with five goals in postseason action. |
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| (selected by newyorkrangers.com) |
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| 1. Lundqvist |
2. Girardi |
3. Callahan |
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[51-24-7]
[48-28-6]