Lundqvist makes 31 saves, Rangers blank Predators 3-0

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) blocks a shot by the Nashville Predators as center Jarret Stoll (26) helps defend during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) blocks a shot by the Nashville Predators as center Jarret Stoll (26) helps defend during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

By Associated Press November 24, 2015 4 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Derek Stepan and the New York Rangers are well aware who is most responsible for their sensational start.

Henrik Lundqvist made 31 saves in his second shutout of the season and New York beat the Nashville Predators 3-0 Monday night for its ninth straight victory at home.

“Look around the league and you see guys putting up huge offensive numbers, playing great hockey. It’s no different (than) what (Lundqvist) is doing for our team,” Stepan said. “We’ve played some good hockey (and) at times we had (Lundqvist) play some good hockey for us.”

Stepan, Rick Nash and Kevin Hayes scored for the Rangers, who won for the 11th time in 12 games overall and improved to 16-3-2. New York’s 34 points are tied with Dallas and Montreal for most in the NHL.

The shutout was the 57th in regular-season play for Lundqvist and his second against Nashville.