Ryan Callahan Leads New York to Huge Win Over Montreal

Just before the game started, Ryan Callahan, who has been the best Ranger player for much of the season, was announced as the fans’ choice for the player who goes "above and beyond the call of duty."

He quickly showed why he deserved the award, leading the Rangers in effort throughout the game. 

In the first period, he set up Drury for the critical first goal of the game. 

In the second, he demonstrated incredible perseverance as Montreal’s grabbing and hooking made him lose control of his stick. 

Callahan managed to kick the puck forward to get it into the offensive zone, leading to another goal by Drury. In between, Antropov dove and spiked a loose puck into the net. 

In the third, the Rangers shut down the Habs with strong defensive play and won the game 3-1.

Montreal had outplayed New York in the first period, but looked tired as the game went on, and were especially weak in their own end. 

Carey Price looked shaky as he played his first game after a serious bout of the flu. 

Montreal’s power play looked especially weak after they lost both of their point men with injuries this week. 

With Florida losing to Philadelphia, New York is all but a lock to make the playoffs.  They need to win just one of the two remaining games (both against the Flyers) to lock in a playoff berth, and may even pass Montreal, who they now trail by one point. 

Their first-round opponents will likely be the Bruins, but if they move to seventh, they could face Ovechkin and the Capitals.  Playoff hockey is on its way in New York!