NHL Three Stars: Lundqvist solid in 5-1 drubbing of Lightning
No. 1 Star: Rick Nash, New York Rangers
Nash has been heavily criticized during his time in New York for his lack of playoff production. He took a step in the right direction Friday night with 2 goals and an assist against Tampa. Nash’s first goal was beauty on a break away.
No. 2 Star: Keith Yandle, New York Rangers
Like Nash, Yandle had a 3-point evening. The defenseman scored a goal, 2 assists, and was a plus-2 in 18:16 TOI in the Rangers 5-1 drubbing of the Lightning.
No. 3 Star: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
There were some clamoring for King Henrik’s removal from net to start Game 4. He proved his crictics incorrect as he made 38 saves, allowing only 1 goal against as the Rangers tied up the series heading back to New York.
Honorable Mention: The Rangers power play went 2-for-5 with Nash and Martin St. Louis getting the tallies. The goal scored by St. Louis – much to the chagrin of the paying/booing TBL faithful – was his first of the playoffs. Steven Stamkos scored the lone goal for the Lightning:
Did You Know? The nickname of “The Triplets” is getting really annoying. Kenny Albert said it at least 320948203498 times in Game 4 broadcast.
Dishonorable Mention: Ben Bishop allowed 5 goals on 24 shots; however, 2 of the goals were off turnovers and deflections by his teammates. The Lightning went 0-for-4 on the power play. Matt Carle did not play after suffering an injury in Game 3; Mark Barberio replaced him. Barberio was minus-1 in 8:44 TOI.
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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter!
