Zuccarello to the rescue as Rangers account for Canadiens

NEW YORK - With his team trailing after a lackluster effort in the first 20 minutes, Mats Zuccarello came through in the second period to help the New York Rangers get a big series-clinching win.

Zuccarello scored twice and the Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 in Game 6 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

"He's a competitive little bugger," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "He competes every shift. He's become a real big part of our team, not just what he does on the ice, but he brings the team together. He came up huge for us tonight."