NEW YORK -- The two things that never wavered for the New York Rangers during their topsy-turvy regular season were their League-best penalty kill and the stellar play of goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
In their most important game of 2009, both came though in a big way for the home team.
Lundqvist was spectacular in stopping 38 shots and the Rangers killed all six Washington power plays to win Game 4 Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, 2-1 -- despite more undisciplined play from agitating left wing Sean Avery.
The Rangers staked themselves to a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series and gave themselves a chance to close it out in Game 5 at the Verizon Center on Friday night. If they do, they'll meet the Boston Bruins in the next round.
"I've said it before, that's why they pay me the big bucks, being there to stop the puck," Lundqvist said. "It's fun.
"The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead 2:23 into the second period when Chris Drury scored on a rebound after his first attempt was flubbed by Capitals rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov. Paul Mara also scored on a slap shot from the point that deflected into the net off Washington defenseman John Erskine 13:55 into the game.
However, it was everything that happened after Drury's goal that showed why the Rangers are even participating in this year's playoffs.
The Capitals had 30 shots on goal, including eight on the power play, in the final 40 minutes. All but one -- an absolute rocket by Alex Ovechkin 2:13 into the third period, following a brilliant individual effort -- were turned aside by Lundqvist, who has been the difference in all three Rangers' wins in this series.
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