Lundqvist continued to be "King" for the Rangers stopping 21 shots as New York took Game 1 over the New Jersey Devils 3-0. It was the Swede's second shutout of the postseason and fifth of his career. Three of his 21 saves came via this exchange with Zach Parise:
No. 2 Star: Chris Kreider, New York Rangers
Kreider has now scored in three games these playoffs and all three have been Ranger victories. Tonight, he first set up Dan Girardi's goal early in the third period, then later his power play goal gave New York a 2-0 lead and was the cushion needed to finish out the Game 1 victory.
No. 3 Star: Dan Girardi, New York Rangers
Not known for his offense, Girardi again stepped up offensively for the Rangers scoring the opening goal 53 seconds into the third period and later assisting on Kreider's tally:
The goal was his second of the playoffs. Defensively Girardi was his usual self leading all players in ice time with 25:11 and blocking five shots.
Honorable mention: Ryan McDonagh made two key defensive plays in the first period breaking up a potential chance for Zach Parise and later on Ilya Kovalchuk ... Brad Richards won 14 of his 21 faceoffs ... New York blocked 26 shots to New Jersey's 15 ... Martin Brodeur made 25 saves in the loss, including this lovely dive across the crease:
Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; 2. Brad Richards, New York Rangers; 3. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; 4. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils; 5. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; 6. Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes; 7. Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings; 8. Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils; 9. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings; 10. Mikkel Boedker, Phoenix Coyotes
Dishonorable mention: New Jersey managed just four shots in the final period and went 0-for-4 on the power play.
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