The first period wasn’t like that last first period that these two teams plays. This was a hard fought, tight fore-checking period for both teams. The Rangers would take a 1-0 into the second after some gorgeous tic-tac-toe passing on the power-play that would be finished by Derek Brassard.
The second period is where New York would need some stellar play by Lundqvist and maybe even a bit of luck. Henrik made the majority of his 31 saves in the second as Florida controlled for most of the period. But it was the Rangers getting another goal after Brad Richards shot was screened by the Panthers defenseman to beat Tim Thomas.
Down 3-0 in the third the Panthers would make this a whole new game in the 3rd with 2 goals by Scottie Upshall and Nick Bjugstad. With the Rangers on their heels the blueshirts would regain control with another PP goal by Mats Zuccarello. Carl Hagelin would add the empty netter.
Special Notes: The Rangers came into this game 94-0-6 when leading after two periods. The Panthers were 37 for 61 on face-off
Tiago Ramos:PureSportsNY