Before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Capitals at Madison Square Garden last night, Rangers coach John Tortorella told his players they would not get many chances to play in a seventh game.
Thanks to Michael Del Zotto’s third-period goal, the Rangers have claimed a pair of Game 7 victories in these playoffs.
After a shot by Marian Gaborik was blocked just inside the Capitals’ zone, Del Zotto scooped up the loose puck and fired it past goaltender Braden Holtby to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead, securing what eventually would be a 2-1 victory.
“He’s probably been our most consistent [defenseman] joining the rush,” Tortorella said. “He shoots the puck wide a lot, didn’t on this one and he scored.
“He has gone through quite a process here, from last year into what he’s doing for us this year. He’s been very consistent for us both offensively and defensively.”
Del Zotto, who also picked up an assist on Brad Richards’ opening goal 92 seconds into the game, has been known as a skilled offensive asset on the blue line since he debuted with the Rangers in 2009.
But he made his presence felt on both ends last night, finishing with a game-high eight hits — twice as many as any other player — in 23:16 of ice time.
“We talked about [needing] to be aggressive against this team,” Del Zotto said. “They have a lot of skill. We had to play in their face. … Anytime you give them time and space, they are going to make plays.
“We made it clear before the game that we wanted to be physical, especially against their top guys in their back end, and I think we did a great job of that tonight, and that helped us seal this win.”
Now, with a pair of Game 7 victories behind them, Del Zotto, who leads all league defensemen in the playoffs in scoring with eight points off two goals and six assists, and his teammates don’t have any time to rest.
After an optional practice today, the Rangers will be back at the Garden tomorrow for Game 1 of the conference finals against the Devils.
“We’ve been pretty fortunate to have two of them already, winning them both, and it’s such a great feeling,” Del Zotto said. “We want to take that momentum into [tomorrow’s] game.”