Henrik Lundqvist blasts officiating

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OTTAWA -- New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist unloaded on the officiating in an uncharacteristic rant that left him seething following his team's 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Monday night.

Trailing 3-1 late in the third, the Senators pulled within a goal with 38.4 seconds remaining after a lengthy review upheld the official's on-ice call of a good goal following a frantic scramble in front. Lundqvist felt Senators winger Chris Neil interfered with him on the play and attempted to kick the puck past the goal line. The goal was ultimately credited to Jason Spezza.

Lundqvist called the ruling an "absolute joke."

"When it's goalie interference and a kick and they still call it a goal, that scares me," he told reporters after making 25 saves en route to the team's series-tying victory.

The 30-year-old netminder also hinted at collusion in comments that were similar to those of coach John Tortorella after the Winter Classic. Tortorella was fined $30,000 by the league for his remarks.

"Someone wanted them back in the game, for sure," said Lundqvist.

Tortorella, who has been docked $50,000 in total for critical comments about the officiating this season, declined to comment when asked about the ruling after the game.

"I'll take the next question."

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Katie Strang

ESPNNewYork.com

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Katie Strang covers the Rangers, Islanders and Devils for ESPNNewYork.com. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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