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Lundqvist, Rangers blank Canucks to end drought in Vancouver

Oct 19, 2011 - 6:03 AM Vancouver, BC (Sports Network) - Bill Clinton was presiding over the Oval Office the last time the Rangers came away with a victory in Vancouver before New York ended its 14-year drought behind Henrik Lundqvist's 36th career shutout and four third-period goals en route to a 4-0 win over the Canucks.

The Rangers had dropped their previous five trips to Vancouver since October 11, 1997, when Wayne Gretzky recorded his 50th career hat trick in a 6-3 win.

Lundqvist made 40 saves, while Mike Rupp, Ryan McDonagh, Brian Boyle and Marian Gaborik all scored to give New York its first win of the season following a 0-1-2 start.

Roberto Luongo was beaten four times on just 19 shots as the Canucks lost for the fourth time in six games.

Lundqvist was exceptional throughout, making 13 saves in the first period, 15 in the second and 12 in the final 20 minutes.

"I think he's the best goalie in the league and he shows it every night," Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi said of Lundqvist.

New York's special teams also withstood nine Vancouver power-play chances.

"We need to convert on one of those power plays to turn the tables," Canucks forward Chris Higgins said.

The Rangers had just nine shots combined in the first two periods, but snapped the scoreless tie 2:22 into the third.

Rupp sent a drop pass to Michael Del Zotto, whose one-timer from the point was stopped by Luongo. The rebound, however, went directly to Rupp, and the forward snuck the rebound in for a 1-0 lead.

A give-and-go between Brandon Dubkinsky and McDonagh ended with the latter lighting the lamp at 9:57, and Boyle re-directed Ruslan Fedotenko's cross-ice pass into the back of the net 11:30 in.

Gaborik's tally with 2:21 remaining accounted for the final score.

Game Notes

Before the game, the Canucks played a video tribute for the late Rick Rypien, who committed suicide in the offseason after struggling with depression...New York went 0-for-3 on the power play and is now 0-for-15 with the man advantage this season...Canucks forward and reigning Selke Trophy winner Ryan Kesler was in the lineup for the first time after missing the first five games while recovering from offseason hip surgery. He saw 19:07 of ice time and had three shots on goal.