Lundqvist, Rangers Steal Game One

The captainless New York Rangers rallied behind Lundqvist's spectacular preformance and stole game one right from the hands of Ovechkin and company. Lundqvist stopped 32 of 35 saves and did not give the Capitals any rebounds. The Rangers special teams played a major role in game oneand were far better than Washington's special teams.

The Rangers penalty kill was outstanding going 5 for 7 against Washington's power play that was ranked 2nd overall this year. Blair Betts and Marc Stall paved the way blocking 5 shots each. Lundqvist smothered everything in front of him and did not give the Capitals many second chances.

Torts' troops managed their shifts well after goals especially when Washington opened the scoring in the second period. About a minute Washington scored, Gomez rushed the puck up ice with authority, avoided Mike Green who collided with Sean Avery at the blue line and wrist one by Theodore. That goal silenced the Verizon Center and set the tone for the rest of the game.

The power-play was effective going 2 for 4 in game one. The Rangers scored back to back power play goals by Markus Naslund and Nik Antropov. These two power-play goals helped take pressure off the team for the rest of the game. They were calm in all three zones and didn't show signs of panic especially in the offensive zone. Ahh what wonders the power play can do for a team.

Though the Rangers did not play their best game, they battled hard and scored timely goals that playoff teams are supposed to do. The Rangers best players were their best players tonight. Gomez contributed with a goal and 2 assists, while Naslund and Antropov each had a power-play goal and an assist. Second year pro Brandon Dubinsky scored the game winning goal with about 8 minutes left in the game by undressing Washington defenseman Schultz and wristing the puck over Theodore's shoulder.

Tortorella made a vital move early in the second period that saw Redden and Rozsival match up against Ovechkin's line instead of Staal and Girardi. Torts stated the young defensemen were nervous and decided to use Redden and Rozsival instead. My concern is whether or not Redden and Rozsival can stay with Ovechkin's line if indeed Torts decides to continue to match lines.

Ryan Callahan was one of the best Rangers on the ice by using his speed to forecheck and force Washington to move the puck quicker than they would like to. He finished the game with seven hits and hit two posts. Moving forward he must be a factor for the Rangers to win this series.

Game 2

@ Washington

Saturday 1 p.m.