New York Rangers crush Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-1

Last night the Rangers moved one step closer to securing a playoff berth by defeating the Maple Leafs, the conference’s worst team, 5-1 at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers, one point behind the final playoff spot in the standings, will make a playoff appearance for the fifth consecutive year with wins (at least one in regulation) in their final two games, both against the Philadelphia Flyers. Because of the NHL’s scoring system which gives two points for a win and one point for an overtime loss, there are a number of other combinations that will give the Rangers a playoff berth. These include a regulation win and an overtime loss, or even two overtime losses, depending on what the Boston Bruins do in their final three games of the season. Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, Inc.

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was stellar as usual:

Anders Eriksson, playing in his first game as a Ranger at Madison Square Garden since being acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes last month, fires a slapshot:

New York’s Ryan Callahan checks Toronto’s Carl Gunnarsson into the boards:

The Rangers’ Vinny Prospal celebrates after scoring the winning goal:

Brandon Dubinsky, Anders Eriksson, and their Rangers teammates celebrate the team’s third goal, coming only 30 seconds after Prospal’s: