NHL Playoffs 2015: Rangers Hold Off Lightning To Take Game 1

The New York Rangers earned yet another hard-fought victory, as Dominic Moore's late goal in the third period sealed a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of NHL Eastern Conference final at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Moore scored with 2:25 remaining, and 30 seconds after he was in the penalty box. Kevin Hayes threw the puck in from of the Lightning goal, and it bounced off Moore and into the open net.

It was the Rangers' 15th consecutive game decided by one goal. It was also another impressive performance by veteran New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who had 23 saves, and another example of the Rangers' pesky defense.

After a scoreless opening period, the Rangers got on the scoreboard with just 13 seconds left in the second period. Derek Stepan, who sent the Rangers into the conference finals with the winning goal over the Washington Capitals, ripped a Chris Kreider rebound past goalie Ben Bishop.

The Lightning would get even in the third period when Ondrej Palat scored a power-play goal with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation.

"I think we're just calm out there," Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi said. "We're not nervous. We're like, they tied it up, no big deal. They make a good play on it, make a good shot. We just stick to our game plan. We never deviate from it. I think that's what helps us in the one-goal games."

Game 2 is on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.