Rangers strike Lightning with late goal by Dominic Moore to win Game 1

NEW YORK — New York Rangers pesky role playerDominic Moore is appreciated as an NHL player from October through early April and treasured in May and June.

"We've watched him over the last few years, in big moments, make big plays," said Rangers defenseman Marc Staal. "It's in his DNA."

Moore scored by driving the net and having a puck deflect off his shin pad with 2:25 remaining in regulation to give the Rangers to a 2-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday.

The goal had added sweetness because Moore had been penalized for tripping with 4:55 left in regulation. He had been on the ice for 25 seconds when Kevin Hayes spotted him flying toward the net. It was a work-ethic goal, and Moore is known as a extreme work-ethic player.

"It's all about preparation for him," Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist said. "And I see him almost being like a goalie with everything he does in preparing to get to the right place going into every game. I think that's why he has been so consistent throughout his career."