New York Rangers Ice Series, Advance In Stanley Cup Playoffs

Photo Credit: Adam Hunger / Reuters

Photo Credit: Adam Hunger / Reuters

The New York Rangers clinched the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins as they celebrate their 2-1 overtime victory.

As Friday night rolled by, the Rangers and Penguins continued to provide the National Hockey League (NHL) with an exciting series. The Rangers came into Friday night leading the Penguins 3-1 in the series, needing one more win to move onto the next round of the NHL playoffs.

The Rangers struck first, and early, as they scored off a power play four minutes in the first period. Rangers’ Derek Stepan scored off an assist from Dan Boyle and Derek Brassard.

Following the goal, the Rangers would go on and lose their right wing Mats Zuccarello by taking a puck to the face. The Rangers would later announce that Zuccarello would not return for game five.

The second period had begun and the Rangers had their fair share of opportunities, leading the Penguins 12-6 in shots on goal. The Penguins soon created a change of pace and produced a goal scoring play, that was later reviewed, by Penguins’ Nick Spaling; assists were given to Steve Downie and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins understood that this was a win or go home situation.

Both teams came out storming in the third period, acting as if the third period was in overtime. The pace of play had been increased and the desire to win was in sight for both teams. The period would go scoreless, but would go as the most exciting period to watch. The Rangers and Penguins would then head to overtime, again, for game five.

Overtime would provide an aspect both teams were familiar with. Carl Hagelin would garner the game winning goal over the Penguins in the 2-1 victory. The goal was assisted by Dominic Moore and Ryan McDonagh. Rangers’ goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist would have 37 saves in the series clinching game.

Following their series win, the Rangers will have the opportunity to rest up and see who they will be facing in the next round of the playoffs; the two teams being the New York Islanders and Washington Capitols.