Rangers Sweep California Road Trip with 3-1 Victory Over Sharks at SAP Center Saturday

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Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images

The Rangers swept their West Coast road trip with a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks Saturday night (01/10/15) at SAP Center. Martin St. Louis scored his 14th goal of the season at 10:40 in the first period and Chris Kreider scored his 8th at 15:13. Derek Stepan continued his terrific offensive play with two assists on the night (20, 21). Rick Nash sealed the deal at 19:00 in the third by making a power move with the puck from the Rangers zone and skating it to the low slot to score an empty net goal (26). The Sharks played a video tribute for Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle in the first period as their fans gave a standing ovation to the former Shark. Mats Zuccarello appeared to make it 3-0 Rangers at 4:24 in the third period but the NHL Situation Room ruled the goal review was inconclusive. The puck was in Antti Niemi’s glove, which was in the net, but still said no goal. The Rangers bench was clearly not happy with the call. Dominic Moore was called for a holding penalty against Joe Pavelski and the Sharks scored a power play goal at 7:41 in the third by Melker Karlsson. The fellow Swede was looking forward to playing against Henrik Lundqvist and said scoring against him was unreal. The King was was on his game making 31 saves to earn his 20th win of the year. After the game Lundqvist wore the Broadway Hat as the team star. New York has won 13-of-14 games which is their best winning streak since 1973. On the 3-game road trip the Rangers outscored the California clubs 11-5. Rick Nash scored his NHL lead tying 26th goal which was his goal total all of last season. The Blueshirts come home Tuesday night (01/13/15) for what promises to be a great game against their hated rivals the New York Islanders. The three stars of the game were Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Kreider and Melker Karlsson (SJ).