Lundqvist’s return from injury spoiled by Lucic and Bruins

All-star goalie Henrik Lundqvist was back in the Rangers’ crease against Boston on Saturday after missing nearly two months of action with a blood vessel injury in his neck. However, the Bruins took advantage of a rusty Lundqvist early on, tagging the 33-year-old netminder for three goals in the first period on route to a 4-2 win.

Bruins winger Milan Lucic scored two, one of which was subject to a video review after it looked like Lucic kicked the puck in. The controversial goal was allowed and the Bruins took a 1-0 lead early in the game.

Lundqvist did seem to find his legs as the game wore on, making some big saves, including one breakaway attempt by Brad Marchant. Boston ended up firing a total of 32 shots at King Henrik and Ranger’s right winger Rick Nash also scored his 40th goal of the season for the third time in his career.

Lundqvist’s return comes just days after the Rangers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot. He takes back the starting role from sophomore backup Cam Talbot, who stood tall in net for the Rangers throughout the absence of the team’s number one goalie, going 15-4-3 since Feb. 7.

The win was huge for the Bruins, who are just barely holding on to the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with the streaking Ottawa Senators just two points behind.