Lundqvist Shines as Rangers Top Senators for Series Lead

Lundqvist Shines as Rangers Top Senators for Series Lead
Jojo Doria

Ottawa, AB, Canada

New York forward Brian Boyle pounced on a rebound off the side of the goal and slipped a backhander past Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson at 7:35 of the final period, giving the Rangers a 1-0 win over the Ottawa Senators.

The Rangers took a 2-1 series lead in the best of seven matchup, as Henrik Lundqvist was stellar between the pipes in collecting 39 saves for his fourth career playoff shutout.

Ottawa had the advantage in nearly every major category, including faceoffs, shots on goal and hits but couldn't get a shot past Lundqvist.

The Senators host the Rangers again Wednesday in game four before the series heads back to New York.

Rangers forward Carl Hagelin suspended three games

New York Rangers rookie forward Carl Hagelin has been suspended for three games for elbowing Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson in the head during Saturday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Alfredsson was knocked out of the game by the hit which led NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan to hand out the harsh punishment.

"It is important to note that Alfredsson suffered an injury on this play. He immediately went to the dressing room and did not return to the game,'' Shanahan said.

Ottawa coach Paul MacLean said Alfredsson will be evaluated Monday before deciding if he will be available for Game 3 that night.

Senators defenseman Matt Carkner also received a one-game suspension for instigating a fight with and continuing to pummel New York's Brian Boyle.

''Carkner instigated an altercation with New York forward Brian Boyle, who did not respond," the league said. "After knocking Boyle to the ice with two punches, Carkner continued to throw punches at his opponent, who was an unwilling combatant. Carkner's actions classified him as an 'aggressor' under NHL rules.''

The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 with the next two games scheduled to be played in Ottawa.