Rangers Vs. Senators, Game 5: Craig Anderson's Shutout Gives Ottawa Series Lead

Rangers Vs. Senators: Top Seed New York Pushed To The Brink

This series has been as close as it gets, with just nine non-empty-net goals from each side. With his 41-save showing in Game 5, Craig Anderson has matched Henrik Lundqvist in the goaltenders duel.

Rangers Vs. Senators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Craig Anderson, Jason Spezza Give Ottawa 2-0 Win And 3-2 Lead

The Ottawa Senators came into the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals as heavy underdogs to the No. 1 seed New York Rangers. After a 2-0 win on Saturday in Game 5, they will head back to Canada with a chance to eliminate the Rangers.

Craig Anderson stopped all 41 shots he faced for a shutout in his finest performance of the series, and the Senators stymied the Rangers with the Blueshirts' own trademark stinginess.

Jason Spezza, who had not previously scored in the series, had both goals on the night for the Senators, with one staking them to a 1-0 lead in the first period and another coming on an empty net in the game's final minute.

New York's Henrik Lundqvist had 29 saves, but could not make up for a Rangers offense that struggled to solve Anderson and went 0-for-4 on the power play.

For more on the Rangers, visit Blueshirt Banter and SB Nation New York. For updates on the Senators, check out Silver Seven.

Rangers Vs. Senators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Craig Anderson Preserving 1-0 Ottawa Lead

The Ottawa Senators are still nursing a 1-0 lead over the New York Rangers after the second period of Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. Craig Anderson will figure prominently in the preservation of that lead.

Anderson has made 26 saves through two periods, and turned away 12 shots in the second period after making 14 saves in the first. He's also well on his way to his best game of the series: Despite holding the Rangers in check and putting up a 2.24 GAA in the first four games, he hasn't topped 31 saves, and has yet to record a shutout. If he continues his great play, he could do both in Game 5.

In fact, the Rangers did well to not let the Senators extend their lead in the second period: Three Ottawa power plays were all thwarted, with Henrik Lundqvist stopping all 12 shots he saw.

For more on the Rangers, visit Blueshirt Banter and SB Nation New York. For updates on the Senators, check out Silver Seven.

Rangers Vs. Senators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Jason Spezza Puts Ottawa Up 1-0

The Ottawa Senators took an early lead in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the New York Rangers thanks to Jason Spezza. Spezza's goal gave the Senators a 1-0 lead after one period at Madison Square Garden.

Spezza took a nice pass from Mark Stone while flying into New York's end, then buried a shot over Henrik Lundqvist's shoulder for the 1-0 lead. It's his first goal of the 2012 NHL playoffs.

Lundqvist was otherwise solid, saving eight of nine shots, but Craig Anderson trumped his counterpart in a big way in the first. Anderson had 14 saves for Ottawa, and helped the Sens stave off three power play opportunities for New York. Four Ottawa players served eight penalty minutes in the first period.

The two teams are tied 2-2 in their best-of-seven series.

For more on the Rangers, visit Blueshirt Banter and SB Nation New York. For updates on the Senators, check out Silver Seven.

NHL Playoffs 2012, Rangers Vs. Senators Game 5: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators head back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Saturday with the series tied at two games apiece.