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Lundqvist, Rangers blank Caps 7-0

Dec 13, 2010 - 6:17 AM New York, NY (Sports Network) - Ryan Callahan scored twice, while Henrik Lundqvist turned away 31 shots for his fifth shutout of the season, as the New York Rangers trounced the Washington Capitals, 7-0, at Madison Square Garden.

Brandon Prust, Brandon Dubinsky, Marc Staal and Artem Anisimov each notched a goal and a helper for the Rangers, who have won two of their last three games. Marian Gaborik chipped in with a goal while Brian Boyle had two assists in the victory.

"I think we did a great job all over the ice," Lundqvist said. "It felt like the first period was very important. To play a team that's been off a little bit, you have to set the tone and show them that it's going to be tough for them."

Semyon Varlamov stopped just 13-of-20 shots for the Capitals, who have lost six straight -- their longest losing streak since 2007. They have been shut out twice in their last three games.

"We have to regroup together," said Washington's Alex Ovechkin. "We don't have to say that this guy played bad or makes mistakes -- we all make mistakes. It's a lot of mistakes, it's all of our fault, and we have to keep together as a group."

The Rangers started their rally late in the first period when Prust wristed a shot low past Varlamov.

The game unraveled quickly for the Capitals in the second period, as the Rangers scored three goals in 3 1/2 minutes.

Anisimov started the barrage with a low shot from the high slot only a minute into the stanza. Just over two minutes later on the power play, Mark Staal set up Gaborik, who scored his ninth of the season.

The third goal during the span came when Dubinsky took the puck into the zone and held it for a split second before wristing it past the Varlamov.

Up 4-0, the Rangers continued to press while shorthanded, as Boyle led a 2- on-1 rush and made a deep cross pass to Staal, who scored at the 10:42 mark.

Callahan made it a six-goal game 4:11 into the final frame. Dubinsky worked the puck in the corner and found a wide open Callahan, who was able to light the lamp. He added another goal with 6:29 left to play in the game to account for the final score.

The Rangers were able to hold off 12 third-period shots by the Capitals to give Lundqvist the shutout.

Game Notes

Varlamov stopped only 6-of-10 shots during the second period...The season series is tied at one win apiece, and Washington lost for the first time at MSG in four games...The Caps have been outscored, 23-8, the last six games...In a penalty-heavy game, New York had 10 penalties for 37 minutes and Washington had nine for 35 minutes.