By Jim Cerny, newyorkrangers.com
Despite a sensational -- and fiery -- 38-save effort from Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers could not overcome their own first-period breakdowns and dropped a 3-2 decision to the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Saturday night.
The loss was the Blueshirts’ second this week to Montreal. They also were defeated by the Canadiens 2-1 Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. With its victory, Montreal managed to move within two points of the Rangers for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
“I just thought we were really slow the first two periods,” said Rangers head coach John Tortorella. “I’m not sure why. We just were. But Hank gave us a chance, and in that third period we found our legs, but just couldn’t get that tying goal.”
Trailing 3-1 in the third period, the Rangers closed to within a goal when Mats Zuccarello scored his second of the season at 6:57. Camped at the post Zuccarello converted a pass from Derek Stepan which originated from behind the cage to cut the Rangers’ deficit to 3-2.
Moments later Montreal goaltender Carey Price made big stops on Brandon Dubinsky and Marian Gaborik from point-blank range. And Brian Boyle chipped an in-tight shot off the crossbar with 9:05 left to play.
With four minutes left on the clock, Price made two more ....
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STAT OF THE GAME
Rangers forward Brandon Prust posted a plus-one rating in the game at Montreal and has now posted a plus or even rating in 21 of the last 26 games (plus-eight over the span).
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