New York popped one goal in each period as Henrik Lundqvist and the Blue Sweaters won it 3-1 at the TD Garden on Saturday afternoon. After out-shooting the Rangers 11-7 in the first period, the Rangers dominate the middle frame, outshooting the home team 21-3.
The B’s attempted another late comeback when Dennis Wideman scored on a slapper from the point but it was too little, too late as Boston fell for the third time in their last four contests.
Rangers 3, Bruins 1
TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Jan. 9, 2010
Live Blog | Box Score | Recap
Headliner: Henrik Lundqvist proved again that he simply owns the Bruins. The Rangers’ keeper kicked aside 29-of-30 shots for his 20th win of the season and 13th against the Bruins in 17 career starts. After standing on his head in the first the netminder faced just three Bruins’ shots in the middle frame but exploded for 15 stops in the final period for the win.
Grinder: Brandon Dubinski assisted on Michael Del Zotto’s first goal and popped the Rangers’ second goal — his eighth of the season — to pace the Rangers’ attack.
Dennis Wideman broke up the shutout in the third period with his third goal of the season on assists from David Krejci and Zdeno Chara.
Although the Bruins went 0-for-2 on the power play, they were perfect on four penalty kills.
Weak Link: Marco Sturm had a chance to build some momentum and get on the board early with a penalty shot in the first period but the B’s winger came up empty.
The Bruins’ offense managed just three shots on net in the second period while the Rangers pelted Tim Thomas (31 saves) with 21 shots en route to their 34-shot attack.
Key Moment: Just after the Bruins killed off the Rangers fourth straight power play, Dubinsky popped the Rangers’ second goal to deflate the home team, who looked to gain some momentum with their gritty special teams play. That goal would also prove to be the game-winner.
What’s Next: The B’s are blessed with a nice three-day break as they next play on Wednesday, Jan. 13 in Anaheim at 10 p.m. ET.
The B’s luck may change out west as the Ducks are last in the Pacific Division with just 18 wins in 44 games. After their tilt with the Ducks, the Bruins take on the red-hot Sharks on Thursday before heading to L.A. to take on the Kings on Saturday afternoon.
