NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 22: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the New York Rangers celebrates scoring his second goal against Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The New York Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-0 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night for their sixth consecutive home victory.
The Blueshirts (10-9-2) snapped a two-game losing streak, and Henrik Lundqvist made 20 saves for his 63rd career shutout and second of the season. Kevin Hayes, Michael Grabner and Mika Zibanejad scored, and Mats Zuccarello had two assists.
Craig Anderson stopped 24 shots for the Senators (8-5-6). Brendan Smith landed a big hit on Ottawa forward Mark Borowiecki to earn a five-minute major and an ejection at 7:32 of the third period.
“I’d rather take the win in the playoffs,” said Zibanejad, the former Senator who finished things off with his 10th goal of the season into the empty Ottawa net with 2:29 remaining. “But it’s a new season, it’s a new opportunity to build off what we’ve done so far.”
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New York was also strong on the penalty kill, blocking six of Ottawa’s shots during a five-minute span in the third period. Former Ranger Derrick Brassard led the Senators on the power play.
“All that matters is getting the win,” Lundqvist said, “but the way we got the win, that’s great for the confidence.”
The Rangers next play at Carolina on Wednesday night before a four-game home-stand. The Senators next play at Washington on Wednesday in the middle of a three-game trip.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 22: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the New York Rangers celebrates scoring his second goal against Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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