NHL: Boston 3, New York Rangers 1

BOSTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Tuukka Rask stopped 20 shots Saturday and the Boston Bruins opened their lockout-shortened NHL season with a 3-1 decision over the New York Rangers.

Johnny Boychuk, Milan Lucic and Daniel Paille provided the offense for Boston, which is seeking to defend its Northeast Division title.

The Bruins, however, are also looking to shake off the sting of an early playoff exit last season after being bumped out of the post-season in the first round by Washington.

Brad Richards logged the only goal for the reigning Eastern Conference champion Rangers, who lost to New Jersey in the 2011-12 conference finals.

Henrik Lundqvist turned aside 31 shots for New York.