The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New York Rangers 7-2 last night at PPG Paints Arena, and have taken a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Stanley Cup Playoff Series.
The Pens had seven different goal-scorers in the game, and 13 players had at least a point. The Penguins chased Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin from the game for the second time in a week on their home ice.
Game 5 is Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, where the Pens will have the opportunity to close-out a playoff series for the first time since 2018.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan earned his 44th playoff win with the team, breaking Dan Bylsma’s franchise record for 43.
Sidney Crosby had his 200th career playoff point in the game, one behind former Penguin Jaromir Jagr for fifth on the all-time NHL list.
Also last night in the NHL Playoffs:
–Florida has evened their series with Washington after a 3-2 victory in overtime. The Panthers used an extra attacker by pulling their goaltender late in regulation to tie the score and go to the extra period.
–Colorado swept their first-round series with Nashville following a 5-3 victory last night.
–Calgary defeated Dallas 4-1 and have evened their series at 2-2.
The New York Islanders have fired head coach Barry Trotz after four seasons. The 59-year old Trotz, who won the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018, had guided the Islanders to the Eastern Conference final in each of the past two seasons before losing to eventual champion Tampa Bay both times. They failed to make the playoffs this year for the first time in his four seasons leading the team.