MONTREAL (AP) — Henrik Lundqvist has the surging New York Rangers two wins from the Stanley Cup finals.
Lundqvist made 40 saves and the Rangers took control of the Eastern Conference final with a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night.
The Rangers lead the bestof seven series 2-0 heading back to New York for Game 3 on Thursday and Game 4 on Sunday.
“I thought we played well, and the only reason we lost was Lundqvist,” Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. “He stole that game.”
The Canadiens, missing star goalie Carey Price because of an injury, came out strong in a bid get past a 7-2 thumping in the series opener only to run into Lundqvist.
The Canadiens got the opening goal at 6:14 of the first from Max Pacioretty, but Ryan McDonagh tied it 17 seconds later on a shot that went in off defenseman Josh Gorges and a post.
Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis also scored on Dustin Tokarski, the surprise starter for Montreal ahead of regular backup Peter Budaj.
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