For the first time since the 1973 quarterfinals, the Rangers and Bruins will meet in the Stanley Cup playoffs as the Original Six brethren advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with Game 7 wins Monday night.
In the ultimate win-or-go-home-for-the-summer game, the Rangers routed the Capitals, 5-0, Monday night at the Verizon Center.
Trailing in the series 3-2, the Rangers won Games 6 and 7. Last night’s win was the first in the series for either team on the road. It was also the first Game 7 road win in franchise history.
Arron Asham’s off-wing goal 13:19 into the match was the series winner.
Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 35 shots he faced to record his eighth career Stanley Cup Playoff shutout, second most in franchise history behind only Mike Richter.
Taylor Pyatt, Michael Del Zotto, Ryan Callahan and Mats Zuccarello also scored for the Rangers. Ten players recorded at least one point, led by Derick Brassard and Steve Eminger who each had two assists. The plus-3 rating Del Zotto and Anton Stralman finished with led 16 players.
Boston defeated Toronto, 5-4, in overtime. Trailing 4-2 with 1:22 left in regulation, Milan Lucic and Patrice Bergeron potted back-to-back goals to force the extra session. Bergeron scored the series-deciding goal 6:05 into overtime.
The Original Six rivals met three times this season, with the Rangers winning twice.
Follow Rangers beat writer Denis Gorman on Twitter @DenisGorman.
