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On May 22 in NYR history: Eastern Conference Finals even up

By Steve Paulus

TAMPA, FL - MAY 22: Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning faces off against Dominic Moore #28 of the New York Rangers to start Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 22, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MAY 22: Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning faces off against Dominic Moore #28 of the New York Rangers to start Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 22, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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What happened on May 22 in the history of the New York Rangers

Things were looking pretty rosy for the New York Rangers on this date in 2015.  They had just finished dismantling the Tampa Bay Lighting, 5-1, to even up their Eastern Conference Finals series at two games apiece.

It was strong rebound game after the Blueshirts had dropped two straight, the first by a 6-2 score at the Garden and the second a disappointing 6-5 overtime loss.

Rick Nash led off the scoring late in the first period and after Steven Stamkos knotted the score midway through the second period, the Rangers scored four straight times for the win. Chris Kreider and Keith Yandle scored within two minutes of each other.  Martin St. Louis and Nash added power play goals in the third period.

Henrik Lundqvist was dazzling in goal, stopping 38 of 39 shots for the win.  Nash and Yandle were the offensive stars, both with three points.

With two of the final three games on Garden ice, it looked good for a return to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year.

We all know how that turned out. The Blueshirts dropped 2-0 shutouts in Games Five and Seven while winning Game Six by a 7-3 score.

Today’s birthdays

Only 17 NHL players have been born on May 22 with one New York Ranger in that mix.

Wayne Hall was a left winger born on this date in 1939 in Melita, Manitoba.  He had a long career in hockey from 1956 to 1972, but only played four games in the NHL, all with the Rangers after signing with them as a free agent in 1957.  He appeared in four games in the 1960-61 season without scoring a point.

The numbers

Only three playoff games in Rangers franchise history on May 22 with one win and two losses, both in overtime.  Based on their history, the Rangers definitely do not want to go to overtime with Carolina this year.

Playoff games: 3
Wins: 1
Losses: 0
Overtime losses: 2
Winning percentage: 33%

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