The New York Rangers are one step closer to the Stanley Cup after a squeaker victory against the Washington Capitals Saturday night.
Thousands of jubilant New York Rangers fans celebrated outside Madison Square Garden after the Blueshirts defeated the Capitals to reach the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Crowds chanted "We want the Cup," as they celebrated the elating win after a tense and exciting game.
"The whole team played hard. It was an awesome game," said Chris Cantrell, 21, a Rangers fan who traveled from Kentucky to watch the game with his pal Joe Katzman, 22, of the Upper East Side.
Katzman chimed in, "One team down, one to go, and we're at the Stanley Cup finals!"
Ira Goldman, 51, of Queens said, "This means everything to me!"
"We finally got the monkey off our back, and Lundqvist was unbelievable tonight."
Brad Richards scored the first goal within 92 seconds of the game's start. The second goal was scored on a rebound by Michael Del Zotto in the third period. Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves throughout the game.
The victory sends the Rangers to the conference finals for the first time in 15 years.
The Eastern Conference Finals begin with a battle on the Rangers' home turf Monday night, with a head-to-head against bitter local rivals, the New Jersey Devils.
"I can't wait till we play the Devils," said Alisa Kovalchuck, 21, of Brooklyn. "We want the Cup."
