How Sweep it is, as Rangers clinch No. 1 seed in the East

Henrik Lundqvist. Photo by: Stacy Podelski

It was a sweep night for the New York Rangers (51-22-7) as a four-goal first period led the Blueshirts to clinching the number one seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, with a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers (46-25-9) in sweeping the Atlantic Division-rivals 6-0 for the first time in 40 years.

The road to the Stanley Cup will go through Madison Square Garden now, and it is starting to feel like 1994, as the Blueshirts lead the NHL standing with 109 points. Leading the charge to their latest victory was keeper Henrik Lundqvist, who had one of the most sensational performances of his career.

‘Hank’ broke out every move in the goalkeeping book in the 37 save performance, making a statement in the Vezina Trophy race. For Lundqvist the Swedish cager earned his career-best 39th victory.

Also adding on to his amazing season is sniper Marian Gaborik, who with his power play goal, now has a six-game point streak (six goals, four assists over the span) 17 points (nine goals, nine assists) in the last 13 games.

Helping New York get a four-goal power surge in the first period was captain Ryan Callahan and young winger Artem Anisimov. Ryan McDonagh continues his fine play for the Blueshirts with his two point (1g/1a) effort, while leading the team in five hits.

Center Brian Boyle also tallied a goal, while dominating in the face-off circle with 15 victories. Anisimov and Marc Staal both set the tone with three blocked shots each.

The Rangers will now head to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins on Thursday night. The game is set to air on the NBC-network with face-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Written on April 3, 2012