New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan scored 12:01 into the first period to give the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference a 1-0 lead over the Ottawa Senators heading into the second period of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
Rangers Vs. Senators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Rangers Lead 1-0 After First Period
Callahan corralled a rebound off a shot from the point, sliding the puck just between the goalpost and the left skate of Senators goalie Craig Anderson. Anton Stralman and Artem Anisimov received assists on the goal.
The Rangers picked up the first power play of the game when Filip Kuba was sent off for holding at the four-minute mark. New York mustered three shots, all from 40-plus feet. Ottawa had a pair of power plays in the first period, aiding in their 13-8 edge in the the shots department. Blocking shots is embedded in the DNA of the Rangers players, though, and the racked up six blocks in the first period.
Play got chippy late in the first period when Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson and Rangers forward Brian Boyle were sent off for roughing at the 15:31 mark. That may have served a purpose for the Rangers, who were able to take Karlsson off the ice while Ottawa was on the power play.
For more on the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter. For updates on the Senators, visit Silver Seven.
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