2. Stepan Sends Rangers To The Conference Finals
Down 3-1 to the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the New York Rangers’ backs were firmly against the wall. They managed to scrape out one-goal wins in Games 5 and 6 before meeting the Capitals in a do-or-die Game Seven at the Garden. 11:24 into overtime, forward Derek Stepan scored the goal that sent the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. The Rangers overcame a 3-1 deficit for the second consecutive year, and NHL first. The Capitals blew a 3-1 lead for the fifth time, an NHL record. The roar of the crowd when Stepan scored was the best home moment in New York Sports this season, and one that brings chills to any New York sports fan.
