Rangers score 5 goals in first period, knock off Montreal Canadiens 6-3

The New York Rangers continued their quest for securing a playoff spot last night with a 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden. A team that has now become known for sudden offensive outbursts, the Rangers scored at least 6 goals for the third home game in a row. They’ve won 5 of their last 6 games, and with 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Rangers are in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, 4 points ahead of the last playoff spot and 5 points behind 6th place Montreal. What do all those numbers really mean? We’re coming down to the home stretch and it’s going to be an exciting few weeks leading up to the playoffs! Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.

Montreal’s Lars Eller and New York’s Brandon Dubinsky take a faceoff:

Artem Anisimov celebrates after scoring the first of five first period goals for the Rangers:

Brian Boyle (#22) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the fifth Rangers goal of the period:

Ranger defenseman Steve Eminger and goalie Henrik Lundqvist defend against Montreal’s Benoit Pouliot:

New York’s Ryan Callahan sets up for a play in front of Montreal’s goal:

The Canadiens’ Scott Gomez (an American and former Ranger) and Rangers’ Bryan McCabe (a Canadian, but never a Canadien):

Scott Gomez and former teammate Henrik Lundqvist:

Vinny Prospal celebrates with Marian Gaborik after scoring the sixth and final goal for the Rangers: