The New York Rangers didn’t play their best against a determined opponent, but they stuck to what works and advanced in the NHL playoffs.
Artemi Panarin scored the go-ahead goal on a power play early in the third period, and goalie Igor Shesterkin made 23 saves as the Rangers completed a sweep of the Washington Capitals with a 4-2 victory in Game 4. This win sends them to the second round.
“We’ve been doing the things we did in the regular season,” said center Mika Zibanejad. “We’re still improving, but it’s great to get the win after a tough series.”
Trade deadline addition Jack Roslovic secured the win with an empty-net goal, and now the Rangers await either the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Islanders in the next round. Carolina leads that series 3-1.
“We have some extra days to rest,” Shesterkin noted. “That’s good for practice and building our confidence.”
Panarin’s goal, just after a Capitals penalty, prevented overtime or a Game 5, ensuring the Rangers’ swift victory. They became the first team to advance this postseason.
“We played well, but we can do better,” Panarin commented.
The Rangers owe their success to Vincent Trocheck’s outstanding play throughout the series. Trocheck scored on the power play and made crucial defensive plays, limiting Alex Ovechkin’s impact.
This marked the first time Ovechkin has been held scoreless in a postseason series in his career.
