The New York Rangers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 last night at Madison Square Garden, forcing a game seven.
The Rangers scored three straight goals in the second period after the Pens had a 2-0 lead in the first. Mika Zibanejad provided the first two. The first was a power-play goal scored by Evan Rodrigues in retaliation for a cross-check by Rangers defenseman Ryan Lingren. Zibanejad scored his second goal less than two minutes later. Later in the third, Kris Kreider took the Rangers a 3-2 lead, but Evgeni Malkin tied it up at three apiece to close the period.
Kreider scored the game-winning goal late in the third period on a rebound, with Andrew Copp adding insurance with less than a minute remaining.
Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan stated the game’s momentum shifted back and forth throughout the game, but he was disappointed with the Pens’ special teams’ performance.
Brian Boyle departed the game early due to an unexplained lower-body injury for which he is still being evaluated, and Sullivan stated that while he will be missed on special teams, the club is attempting to keep the “next man up” mindset alive.
For both teams, it’s now winning or going home in game seven, which will be played Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
