HEART & SOUL

On Saturday night, at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 to take the opening round series in six games. The Rangers attack was powered by Matt Zuccarello's two goals against Habs net minder Carey Price.

New York's ability to respond after being down two-games to one following three contests was the goaltending provided by Henrik Lundqvist. Backed by Lundqvist's superb play, the Rangers won the next three, thus allowing them to advance and take on the Ottawa Senators. Lundqvist made a key save late in the third period when he robbed Montreal forward Tomas Plekanec.

If the New York Rangers have any chance of extending their playoff run, Lundqvist will have to continue to be at the top of his game. Besides his status as the Rangers number one goalie, Lundqvist is the team leader on and off the ice. He leads by example and doesn't hesitate to encourage his teammates. Anchored in his goal crease, Lundqvist is like a General directing the play in front of him. When he sees something that needs correction, he will approach his fellow Ranger and raise his glove to his mask to avoid anyone eavesdropping on the conversation.

The last New York goalie to lead New York to the promised land was Mike Richter in 1994. In four playoff rounds, including the Stanley Cup Final, Richter posted a 2.07 goals-against average in 23 games. On June 14, 1994, the Rangers defeated the Vancouver Canucks in game seven to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1940.

It will be interesting to see if Lundqvist can become the next New York Rangers goalie to hoist Lord Stanley's silver mug.