Rangers take 2-0 lead in conference finals

MONTREAL (AP) — The New York Rangers have won just one Stanley Cup since 1940, the fewest among the Original Six teams during that span. But they are just two victories away from reaching the finals for the first time since winning it in 1994.

Henrik Lundvist made 19 of his 40 saves in the third period as the Blueshirts downed the Canadiens 3-1 in Montreal to take a two-games-to-none lead in the Eastern Conference finals. The Canadiens dominated play in the first period but left the ice trailing 2-1 following goals by Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash. Martin St. Louis added a power-play goal in the second period, one day after attending his mother's funeral.

Nash has scored once in each of the last two games after going 17 straight without one.

Lundqvist blanked the Canadiens after Max Pacioretty put the Habs ahead 1-0 6:14 into the game, a lead that lasted just 17 seconds.

Rookie goaltender Dustin Tokarski was chosen to start the game for the Canadiens with Carey Price expected to miss at least the rest of the series with a lower-body injury. Tokarski finished with 27 saves.

Game 3 is Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

Blues re-sign Elliott

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ryan Miller's time with the St. Louis Blues is over.

The Blues say they won't pursue a new contract with the goaltender, who becomes a free agent on July 1. General manager Doug Armstrong says the team took a calculated risk acquiring Miller from Buffalo in March, hoping he could lead the franchise to its first Stanley Cup. The Blues were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, although Armstrong says the early ouster isn't a reflection on Miller.

Meanwhile, the Blues have re-signed goalie Brian Elliott to a three-year contract. Elliott was 18-6-2 with four shutouts, a 1.96 goals-against average and .922 save percentage.

Armstrong says the 29-year-old Elliott will compete for the starting job with Jake Allen, the team's top goalie prospect.

New pact for the GM

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — General manager Bob Murray has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks. The move was announced three days after the Ducks were eliminated from the playoffs.

Ovi injury not serious

MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will miss at least one game at the ice hockey world championship after sustaining a right leg injury in a collision during Russia's game against Germany.

Ovechkin needed hospital treatment Sunday after taking a hit to his right knee. A medical scan of the Russia captain's knee ruled out torn ligaments.

Ovechkin led the NHL with 51 goals this season but also recorded the league's third-worst plus/minus at -35.