With Tuesday nights loss, the Rangers now trail their second round series to the Boston Bruins three games to none. After taking the lead in Game 3, 3:53 into the second period, the Rangers squandered another terrific performance by Henrik Lundvquist and now must win four games in a row or else their playoffs are history.
The Rangers had a very weak third period, and couldn’t close the deal to get their first win of the series. The Bruins tied the game at 3:10 into the third period when defenseman Johnny Boychuk recorded his fourth goal in the playoffs. At 16:29 into the third, Daniel Paille scored to make it 2-1 on a very awkward bounce. The puck took a forward bounce behind Lundqvist and ended up in the crease. Paille out hustled two Ranger defenseman and tipped the puck along with crushing any realistic Ranger fans hopes.
The Rangers had two power play opportunities, and came up short both times. They have shown an ineptitude with a man advantage as they are now 0-for-10 in this series and an atrocious 2-for-38 in the playoffs.
If the Rangers want to make a historic comeback, it will start Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden. Ranger fans deserve a better send off than being swept at home, so look for the Rangers to show some pride.
Justin Lerner: PureSportsNY