The Blueshirts got out in front early and gained an 1-0 edge over the Penguins.
The New York Rangers took Game 1 of their playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-1, thanks to an impressive start, solid goaltending and multiple power play opportunities.
Derick Brassard opened up the scoring 28 seconds into regulation by knocking home a juicy rebound from Marc-Andre Fleury. The initial shot from Rick Nash was a low-quality chance, one Fleury should have corralled -- or at least kept from bouncing right in front of him -- and Brassard took advantage with a one-timer glove side.
Fleury deserves the blame for that one, but he didn't receive much help from his teammates, who collectively took the first four penalties of the game. While the Pens killed off the first two infractions, New York converted on their third man-advantage when Ryan McDonagh scored on a shot that navigated through heavy traffic.
Fleury settled down, though, and stopped 36 of 38 shots he faced. Henrik Lundqvist was his vintage self at the other end of the ice: 26 shots against, 24 saves.
The only Penguin to beat the Swedish netminder was Blake Comeau, who scored 6:15 into the second period. Maxim Lapierre did a great job tying up Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle in front of the net, allowing Comeau's shot to fly past a screened Lundqvist.
The Rangers, who improved to 37-0-1 this year when leading after two periods, kept their foot on the gas until the final whistle. The Pens fell to 0-19-5 when trailing after 40 minutes.
Pittsburgh will try to even the series on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Opening puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Source SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1NTUtGx
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