Rangers Vs. Blues Recap: Lundqvist, Rangers Edge Blues 2-1 In St. Louis

The New York Rangers, fueled by Henrik Lundqvist's unreal performance, defeated the St. Louis Blues this evening and picked up two points with a 2-1 victory. For a good portion of the game, the Rangers struggled quite a bit and allowed the Blues to dictate the play in the offensive zone. Thankfully, Lundqvist was an absolute monster all night long, and more fittingly, became the first goaltender in NHL history to earn 30 wins in 10 of his first 11 seasons.

Despite having a slow start to the game, the Rangers were able to catch a bounce at the 13:14 mark of the first period, and grabbed the 1-0 lead. The fourth line created the goal with some excellent work in the offensive zone, and forced the Blues into several costly turnovers. Eventually, the puck made it's way back to Dan Girardi at the point, and he flipped a quick shot towards the net.

As the shot came sailing in, Tanner Glass got just a slight piece of the puck and it was enough to fool Jake Allen scrambling in the crease. The Rangers probably had no business leading this game after their horrendous start, and they carried that lead over into the second period. Much like the first period, the Blues continued to attack the Rangers, and tossed 14 shots on goal in just the second period alone.

As a result, they were able to find the tying goal late in the period, and it came on the power play with Dan Girardi serving a double minor. The goal itself came off of a bit of a broken play, with Troy Brouwer swatting the puck in at the side of the net. The puck just barely rolled over the goal line, and the Blues were able to pull even heading into the third period.

After two mediocre periods of hockey, the Rangers finally started to wake up a bit in the third, and had several chances to back the lead. Finally, just about four minutes into the final frame, Chris Kreider snapped home a heavy wrist shot and gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead. Oscar Lindberg deserves all the credit in the world for creating the goal, after he made a ridiculous pass from his knees.

Lindberg put the puck right on Kreider's tape and he absolutely ripped it over the pad of Jake Allen to put the Rangers back in front. The Rangers were able to keep the lead intact for the remainder of the period, as the Blues were pressuring late in the game. Henrik Lundqvist was able to hold down the fort with the Rangers clinging to their lead, and they got one final to seal a 2-1 victory.

While this win was anything but pretty, the Rangers found a way and came away with two important points in the standings. The Rangers will have one more game remaining on this road trip before they head back home to greet the Columbus Blue Jackets at MSG on trade deadline day.