Rangers vs. Senators: Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis from Game 6

The New York Rangers managed to stave off elimination with a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup playoff series on Monday night, ensuring that they wouldn't join the Vancouver Canucks on the scrapheap of top seeds for at least a few more days.

The Blueshirts benefited handsomely from a prolific second period and another Vezina-caliber performance in goal by Henrik Lundqvist to force a deciding Game 7 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Tweets of the Night

The Rangers did well to avoid becoming the stat of the night for David Amber of the NHL Network, though they still have plenty of work ahead to dodge a dubious entry into the annals of hockey history:

"

If #Senators beat #NYR it will mark first time both #1 conference seeds lose in first round in NHL history - as per @TSNResearch

— David Amber (@DavidAmber) April 23, 2012"

Choosing a rooting interest in this series isn't as difficult for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York as his title might suggest:

"

Some of my best friends are Senators.But not these guys. Go #Rangers! @thenyrangers @NHL_Sens

— Chuck Schumer (@ChuckSchumer) April 23, 2012"

If Jim Schmiedeberg of Blueshirt Underground Radio winds up in divorce court soon, you'll know why:

"

My wife left the room: Rangers take the lead. She comes back, leaves again, Kreider scores. I'm gonna miss her.

— Jim Schmiedeberg (@BSURadioJim) April 24, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Chris Kreider didn't need to wait for no stinkin' regular-season game to score his first career NHL goal. The former Boston College star put the puck in the net for the first time as a pro against the Sens on Monday, just weeks removed from leading the Eagles to the NCAA title. 

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Henrik Lundqvist: A-

King Henrik reigned supreme against the Sens' forwards in Game 6. After a pair of (relatively) subpar performances in Games 4 and 5, Lundqvist came back to stop 25-of-27 shots on the night—which is approximately equivalent to the number of times he stopped Bryant Gumbel's heart during their interview for HBO's Real Sports.

Henrik gets something of a pass for failing to stop Ottawa's second goal, during which he was practically dragged out of the crease before Jason Spezza kicked the puck into the net.

Brad Richards: A-

Brad Richards has been up and down throughout this series, though the Blueshirts' big offseason signing was money on Monday night. The star center registered a power-play goal on three shots and an assist on Derek Stepan's man-advantage score to fuel a second-period onslaught that ultimately delivered the result to New York.

Grades for Key Senators Players

Daniel Alfredsson: B

It's tough to fault Daniel Alfredsson too much for his effort against the Rangers. The Sens' captain got off three shots, but failed to register a point in his first game back from a concussion that had kept him out of action since Game 2.

Craig Anderson: B-

A 12-minute stretch in the second period aside, Craig Anderson was once again solid between the pipes.

Too bad he let the puck past him three times during that aforementioned span. Otherwise, Ottawa would be on its way to the second round of the playoffs.

Deciding Factor: Power Play

These two teams combined to score three of their five goals on the power play, though the Sens' susceptibility to penalties proved to be the Blueshirts' biggest advantage. Their first two goals came on the advantage in the second period, including a score off the stick of Brad Richards during a five-on-three.

Game MVP: King Henrik

Apparently, Lundqvist's domain as king of New York extends across the border into Scotiabank Place, where he's played well in this series.

What's Next

These two teams will return to the Big Apple for Game 7 on Thursday night.

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