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.