In their opening night of the new season, the New York Rangers looked like the old Rangers, sluggish and uninspired in a dismal loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Their second game was noted by nearly be knocked out of the season in the first period of a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
So, it could be forgiven of those who thought the Rangers would go 0-3-0 to start the season Sunday when they faced Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens.
But Price has had his problems as well as the Habs who lost 6-1 to the Washington Capitals, in a game Price was pulled.
Sunday in New York, Henrik Lundqvistmade 34 saves and returned to form in a 2-0 win over the Canadiens.
Lundqvist was pulled in the first period of the loss to the Leafs.
“The biggest thing … you have to let things go,” Lundqvist said. “That was the biggest thing for me, to move on from [Saturday] and knowing that I know how to play and I know with the right type of game, we’re going to win. You have to believe that.
“We wanted to play a solid hockey game. The first two games were pretty much back and forth against two teams that try to go for it all the time, and it’s a little risky. Tonight, I felt like we played more our style. We were more in control and used our speed when there’s an opportunity for it. For me, a couple of extra saves were enough. It was not like you needed to make eight or nine big ones. It was great to win here tonight and a great bounce-back for us.”
Brady Skjeiscored late in the first period to give Lundqvist some support.
Mika Zibanejadscored his fourth of the season in the third period for all the breathing room New York would need.
“I try to shoot and the puck seems to go in right now,” Zibanejad, said. “I just am trying to place myself in a good spot out there and the guys are finding me and the puck seems to be going in. That’s just the mentality. You just have to keep shooting when you are hot, I guess.”
The shutout was the 62nd of Lundqvist’s career, good for 16th on the all-time NHL list.
“He did what we’re used to having. He gives us a chance and he makes the right save at the right time. That’s what he did tonight,” Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said of his goalie.
The Habs netted two goals in the first period but both were revered on video review.
“The calls were frustrating, but they were good calls,” Pacioretty said. “Making plays and making the goalie move is how you win games. Our chances were there. We have to stay positive. Our mindset has to be to keep working on our game.”
[WATCH: All Canadiens vs. Rangers highlights]
Carey Price made 23 saves
“Lots of chances, but we need to find a way to finish a little bit better. I thought it was an improvement from our last game, from defensively to even breakouts to managing the puck. I thought we spent a lot of time in the other team’s end. The next step is finding ways to capitalize on those opportunities on the time we spend in the other team’s end,” Montreal head coach Claude Julien said after the game.
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