Senators’ upset bid ends in Game 7 loss to Rangers

Picked by many to finish last in the Northeast Division and toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Ottawa entered Thursday night loose, knowing the pressure was on the top-seeded New York Rangers, who were facing elimination in their own building.
But in the end, it was the Rangers' defense who got the better of the Senators offensively and in their own zone as New York advanced to the second round to face the Washington Capitals with a 2-1 victory. Goals from Marc Staal and Dan Girardi were the difference on the scoresheet, but it was Henrik Lundqvist (26 saves) who Ottawa was unable to solve all night.
History was against the Senators coming into Thursday night. The Senators were 0-4 in Game 7s before this latest loss, while New York had never lost a Game 7 at MSG in three attempts.