The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 3-1 on Friday night to take a commanding 3-0 series lead with a chance for the sweep on Sunday night at 8 PM.
Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves on 28 shots.
Here's how it happened:
John Carlson opened the scoring for the Capitals at 5:34 of the first period, throwing a knuckle puck at the net, beating Igor Shesterkin. TJ Oshie and Martin Fehervary recorded the assists on the play.
The Rangers quickly responded, getting a goal of their own 34 seconds later, a Chris Kreider tip-in that beat Washington goalie Charlie Lindgren. Jack Roslovic passed the puck to Mika Zibanejad, who found Kreider in front of the net.
At 7:58, Ryan Lindgren was called for cross-checking, sending the Rangers to their first kill of the night.
Ten seconds later, Barclay Goodrow found himself on a 2-on-1 with Vincent Trocheck, who found him in front to put in the shorthanded marker, making the score 2-1 New York.
At 15:22 of the second period, Trocheck extended the Ranger lead to 3-1 on the power play. Trocheck and Zibanejed played pass before Trocheck beat Lindgren with a goal.
The Rangers held on and are one win away from advancing to the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.