New York Rangers Defeat Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1

Lightning Rangers Hockey
Mary Chastain

The New York Rangers grabbed a 1-0 series lead with a solid 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Rangers won by one goal in all 13 of playoff games.

Lightning goalie Ben Bishop is 6’7” and boy did his height help out today. The Rangers stormed the net, but Bishop stopped shot after shot. He made a brilliant glove save on Kevin Hayes and shut down Game 7 hero Derek Stepan’s breakaway.

But Stepan broke the tie with only 12 seconds left in the second period, taking advantage of the fact that Bishop lost his stick.

In the third period, the referees whistled Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh for high sticking. It was the perfect opportunity for the Lightning to come back. Just one minute later Ondrej Palat shot the puck past Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist to score his fourth goal of the playoffs.

Madison Square Garden quieted a little as everyone prepared for another overtime. It seems the Rangers love to provide their fans with close and nervous games.

But luckily for New York, the puck found its way past Bishop. Rangers forward Kevin Hayes passed off the puck, which hit Dominic Moore’s knee, and landed inside the net. The call stood since Moore’s leg did not show a kicking motion.

Game 2 is Monday Night at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBCSN.

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