The Rangers clinched an appearance in the Eastern Conference semi-finals after beating the Ottawa Senators 2-1 before a packed Madison Square Garden crowd Thursday night.

Lundqvist held strong, making 26 saves en route to the game 7 victory. The Senators' Daniel Alfredsson put in the only goal on a power-play in the second period.

Marc Staal put the Rangers on the board after scoring on a pass from Derek Stepan at 4:46 into the second period. It was only Staal's third goal this year, including the regular season.


Then, at the 9:04 mark, Brandon Dubinsky fired the puck to Girardi who was in the slot. Girardi fired a hard slap shot from just outside the crease and past the Senator's goalie for what would be the winning goal.

Rangers fans were unable to coast, however, as Daniel Alfredsson took advantage on the Senators' second period power play -- one-timing a hard shot into the net to give the Senators their only goal.

After a nervous final five minutes during which the Senators continuously threatened, the Rangers emerged victorious -- leaving the Madison Square Garden in pandemonium.