2013 Second Round vs Penguins
The Rangers grind out a stunning upset over the heavily favored Penguins in a gritty second-round clash.
The 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins stands as a defining moment in modern franchise history. Occurring during the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, this series pitted the gritty, defensive-minded Rangers against the high-powered offensive juggernaut of Pittsburgh. It is remembered for Henrik Lundqvist's goaltending mastery and New York's physical dominance over Sidney Crosby.
- Season
- 2012–13 NHL Season
- Round
- Eastern Conference Semifinals (Second Round)
- Series Result
- Rangers won 4–1
- Key Goaltender
- Henrik Lundqvist
- Opponent Captain
- Sidney Crosby
- Home Arena
- Madison Square Garden
Lore & Background
For Rangers fans, this run validated the patience required after missing the playoffs in previous seasons. The victory over Pittsburgh was not just a win; it was a statement that New York belonged among the elite again. It set the stage for a memorable Conference Finals against Boston, cementing the 2013 squad as one of the most resilient teams of the post-lockout era.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Madison Square Garden was thick with anticipation during Game Five. The crowd roared as Henrik Lundqvist dropped into his butterfly stance, eyes locked on the puck. Every save felt like a declaration of war against the Pittsburgh offense. When the final horn sounded, the blue and red jerseys embraced in relief, knowing they had toppled a giant.
Reader's Guide
The series began with high tension as New York hosted Pittsburgh for the opening games. Despite the Penguins' offensive firepower, the Rangers utilized their defensive structure to secure crucial early wins. Henrik Lundqvist was the anchor, delivering saves that kept New York competitive in tight contests. New York's physicality disrupted Pittsburgh's rhythm throughout the matchup. Key players like Martin St. Louis and Ryan Callahan provided the energy needed to wear down the opposition over five games. The Rangers forced a decisive Game Five back at Madison Square Garden. In the clinching match, the atmosphere was electric as fans knew elimination hung in the balance. A narrow victory secured the series win 4–1, sending New York to the Eastern Conference Finals and proving their grit could overcome skill.
Did You Know?
- This series ended a long playoff drought for the Rangers before they advanced further that spring.
- Henrik Lundqvist was named to the NHL First All-Star Team following this performance.
- The Penguins had reached the Stanley Cup Final just one year prior to this matchup.
- Ryan Callahan became a fan favorite for his physical style during these playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in the 2013 Second Round series?
The New York Rangers faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season. This matchup pitted New York's gritty defensive style against Pittsburgh's high-powered offense led by captain Sidney Crosby.
What was the final result of this playoff series?
The Rangers secured a stunning upset by sweeping the heavily favored Penguins with a decisive 4–1 series victory. This win propelled New York into their first Eastern Conference Final appearance since 2000.
Who was the key player for the Rangers in this matchup?
Henrik Lundqvist served as the cornerstone of the team, delivering legendary goaltending performances that neutralized Pittsburgh's elite scoring threats. His mastery between the pipes allowed New York to physically dominate Sidney Crosby and his linemates throughout the series.
Why is this specific playoff run considered iconic?
This series is remembered as a defining moment in modern franchise history because it showcased New York's ability to overcome an offensive juggernaut through sheer grit and defensive discipline. It marked a turning point that eventually led to the Rangers winning their 2014 Stanley Cup championship.
Where were these games played?
The pivotal home games for the Rangers took place at Madison Square Garden, where the atmosphere fueled their physical dominance over the visitors. The series concluded with New York celebrating their victory on their own ice before advancing to the next round.