Another game was chalked down in the win column for the Rangers last night as they imposed their will for 60 minutes of hockey on the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. The game seemed to be evenly matched going into the first intermission, however come the second period the broadway blueshirts took off like a rocket and never looked behind them. Two goals were scored by New York in the second period of play by Frank Vatrano, and Artemi Panarin. Come the third period despite numerous power play opportunities the Penguins just couldn’t rebound from the Rangers hot start, and could not generate any offense down the stretch leading to an empty net goal being scored by the Rangers late to put the game away.
However, the big factor that led to the Pens demise was the immaculate play of Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Nothing got past him and as usual some highlight saves were made by the young goalie. Making Hendrik Lundqvist and Rangers fans nationwide proud. Due to the lights out play of Shesterkin the blueshirts posted a 3-0 shutout and have won the series against Pittsburgh 3-1. Despite the win however all did not end well. Due to bad blood based off a cheap hit earlier in the game, at the end of the game the Pens and Rangers ensued in a large scrum until the Pittsburgh players were eventually escorted off the ice by the officials so the Rangers could do their traditional center ice salute to the fans that attended. If I were the Penguins I would be thinking one of two things.
One can only hope that New York fizzles out in the playoffs or two pray you get a more favorable matchup for your style of play like the Carolina Hurricanes and hope that the Rangers get knocked out early. Otherwise I see the Penguins getting eliminated very early.