Postgame: Lundqvist, Rangers Blank Bruins 1-0

Lead by a sensational performance by goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers were able to snap their two game skid and grab a hard-earned two points in the standings before heading out to Vancouver to start a Western swing tonight. This was a huge rebound win after the two dismal losses earlier in the week, and will surely have the players holding their heads high heading to northern Canada. The fact that the Blueshirts were able to hold a one goal lead for over a period is a well-needed boost for the Ranger defense, which has been lack luster in previous contests.

The best player on defense for the Rangers, I thought, was rookie Matt Gilroy. The 25-year old BU graduate made at least four crucial defensive plays in the first period to prevent the Bruins some prime chances. One that sticks out in my mind was when Gilroy dove to prevent the original pass, and then stretched his stick out as far as possible to block the second attempt. Plays like that are indicative of the way Gilroy was taught in his College days, as those are the people that made Matt a shut-down defenseman. He already had the offensive capabilities and the Boston coaches walked Gilroy through the path leading up to his phenomenal defensive smarts. Gilroy received near 22 minutes of ice time in this one.

The pairing of Marc Staal and Dan Girardi played a solid game today, and quite honestly these two needed a great performance more than anyone on this team. Staal and Girardi have been ridiculed for their negative play as of late, but they came out and played very well against a large Boston team this afternoon. I praise Staal for his efforts against Zdeno Chara in the last few seconds in the third stanza, when the Bruins had the 6-9 giant planted in front of Henrik Lundqvist. It was a heated battle that was fun to watch, and at the end of the day, Staalsy walks out with bragging rights. Marc Staal also picked up an assist on the Gaborik goal earlier in the contest.

I also felt that Mike Del Zotto and Wade Redden continued their great start to the season with some important defenive plays, as well as noticeable offensive efforts to boot. Also give credit to Michal Rozsival for returning after leaving the game in the third period due to what appeared to be serious discomfort. Rozy returned nonetheless, but was guilty of a pair of lazy penalties.

And then the defense was backed up by all-star Henrik Lundqvist, who recorded his first shutout of the season, as well as his 150th career win. Hank was specifically solid in the third period, when the Bruins really poured it on in attempt to tie the Rangers at one. Lundqvist had other thoughts, as we saw vintage Hank at his best, making a total of 29 saves in his best outing of this season so far.

Marian Gaborik was questionable heading into the mid-day matinee, but felt well enough in war-ups that he told coach Tortorella that he was good to go. The Rangers are very thankful that the Slovakian winger made that decision, as he registered the only goal of the game set-up by linemate Vinny Prospal on the rush. Gaborik's release on the goal was unbelievable, and we have now seen how quickly this guy gets his one-timers off. I am also very happy to see Prospal and Gabs continue to build more chemistry with each other, as the have become a near unstoppable duo for New York.

Aside from the goal, Gaborik was very responsible away from the puck and on the penalty kill. While I did feel his speed was not up to par, he was still instrumental in today's win over the Bruins, even though he is not playing at 100 percent.

As addressed by coach Tortorella in his postgame remarks, the grinding in this game for the Rangers was much better than in previous performances. Both Chris Higgins and Ryan Callahan, two struggling wingers, played a big part in this, mostly away from the puck. They hit, the backchecked, they forechecked, and gave it their all, and in a 1-0 game, what more can you ask for? Yes, they have not registered any gaols in recent play, but the effort from these two goes a long way in low scoring games like the one we had on our hands on this Sunday afternoon.

Cally, much like Staal, had several battles with towering Zdeno Chara, including a crunching hit into the boards which sent him to the bench dazed. Despite the crash into the boards, Callahan got right back and displayed he resilient mentality. Also resilient in this one was Captain Chris Drury, returning to the game after taking a slap shot to the hand. Personally, I thought Drury had a shattered wrist, but he proved me wrong and was right back on the bench just minutes after leaving to the locker-room.

Sean Avery, returning after missing the last game with soreness in his right knee, was very effective today. He may not have made it to the scoresheet, but Aves made a difference on the forecheck, as well as after the whistle when he works best. What Avery does may not always be the correct, or ethical thing to do, but in all honesty, it works, so why stop now?

The penalty killing units were a perfect five for five today, denying the Bruins any points with the man advantage, Sure, Henrik Lundqvist had a lot to do with this, but players like Dan Boyle and Chris Higgins are key individuals when a man down, especially in the area of blocking shots, and clogging the passing lanes. Kudos to them on their great effort in shutting down a Boston club that is noted for their powerplay.

Even though the Rangers did not dominate on the ice or on the scoreboard, today's victory is a huge confidence booster coming off of two less than impressive losses earlier this past week. The Rangers will now fly out to Vancouver, British Columbia where they will clash with the 7-7-0 Canucks on Tuesday night at 10 pm. Tuesday's contest will kick off a three game Western swing that will last through Saturday. Get all of the rest you can now, because there will be some late nights for us Ranger fans this coming week.

(Photos courtesy of Getty Images)