NHL: New York Rangers 4, Montreal 1

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NEW YORK, March 30 (UPI) -- Marian Gaborik began the New York offense with his 39th goal of the season Friday and the Rangers went on to down Montreal 4-1.

Henrik Lundqvist took a shutout deep into the third period and the Rangers moved one point in front of St. Louis for the best record in the NHL. New York also maintained a five-point cushion over Pittsburgh for first place in the Atlantic Division. Both the Rangers and Penguins have four games remaining.

Gaborik is third among the league's goal scorers this season behind Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos (53) and Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin (48).

Gaborik produced the only first-period score but Brad Richards tallied 30 seconds into the middle period and Michael Del Zotto had two goals in the third for the Rangers.

Rene Bourque bested Lundqvist with 2:29 remaining in regulation.

Montreal has lost six of its last seven games. New York's four goals were allowed by Carey Price, who stopped 29 shots.

Lundqvist had to make only 19 saves to pick up the victory.