Rangers Stun Penguins, Advance to Conference Finals

RANGERS 2/PENGUINS 1
NYR win series 4-3

The New York Rangers completed a comeback that nobody would have thought would ever happen. Trailing the heavily favored Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in their best of seven second round series, the Rangers stormed back to win the final three games of the series to win it and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

A combination of factors pushed the Rangers over the top. Obviously on the ice, their power play improved, and Henrik Lundqvist was incredible from Games 5-7, stopping 102 of 105 shots that came his way. Maybe the teams rallying behind Martin St. Louis, who lost his mother this week played a big role in the emotional factor.

The Rangers didn't let the pressure of playing on the road in a Game 7 deter them, as Brian Boyle scored on a wrist shot 5:25 into the first period to give the Rangers an initial 1-0 lead. After Pittsburgh tied it in the second period, the Rangers took the lead for good when Brad Richards scored on a powerplay with an assist from St. Louis.

Still the MVP had to be Lundqvist, who recorded 35 saves on Tuesday, recording his fifth consecutive Game 7 victory.

It was not an easy trip for the Rangers; many counted them out before these playoffs even started, but they are here now in the Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons. This time around they are playing with house money, and teams that do that are very, very dangerous. Next up either Boston or Montreal.