New York Rangers blanked 1-0 by Penguins in impressive goalie duel
The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins went at it in an afternoon affair. What fans got was a classic goalie duel that saw Tristan Jarry just edge Igor Shesterkin in net.
When it was over, the Penguins jumped the Rangers in the standings and hold second place by a point.
Recap: Penguins 1 vs Rangers 0
The Blueshirts came out firing and attacked Jarry early and often. All in all, they sent 12 shots his way as Shesterkin dealt with just six from the Pens.
Pittsburgh had lost three in a row, giving up almost 5 goals per game in the process. It’s something the Rangers were cognizant of and wanted to try and get shots throughout the game.
“We know how they play, they’re a high skilled team,” Jacob Trouba said after the period. “Playing in their d-zone is a key for us.”
Shesterkin vs Jarry goalie duel
In the second period, the Penguins found more pace to the their game and outshot the Rangers 9-5. This time, it was Shesterkin putting on a show as he flashed his pads and glove to keep Pittsburgh off the the scoreboard.
On the other end, Jarry was not as busy, but when he was called upon he answered the bell. One thing that was noticeable was both sides were playing physical with hits at 29-28 in favor of the Rangers through two periods.
Rangers could not get one
The Penguins found yet another gear in the third period when Sidney Crosby was taken down by Ryan Lindgren. That opened the door for Evgeni Malkin to score on the ensuing power play . He converted a feed from Bryan Rust at the right side of the net with Crosby picking up the other assist 5:09 into the third period. It was career point 1374 which ties Crosby with Mike Modano at 25 all-time.
New York did push but simply could not find the back of the twine. Their best chance came with the goalie pulled as Mika Zibanejad was able to weave his way in down low. His great move was met by an equally good save by the Pens’ netminder.
In the end, the one goal was all Jarry would need as he thwarted the Blueshirts time and time again. For fans who love great goaltending, they indeed got that today with Shesterkin stopping 25 of 26 and Jarry keeping all 27 shots out of his net.
Notable Rangers
- Igor Shesterkin takes his first regulation loss since January 28 vs Minnesota
- NYR out hit the Pens 43-39
- Chris Kreider led all Rangers with six shots
Tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 27): Gerard Gallant Availability in MSG Press Room (5:30 PM ET)
Next Game: Sunday, Feb. 28 vs. Vancouver Canucks (7:30 PM ET – TV: MSG)
*Schedule subject to change
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