With playoff seedings set for a few days now, most post season-bound teams have been playing non-starters and callus.
On Sunday, the New York Rangers started Magnus Hellberg in goal and he rewarded the decision with his first NHL win, 3-2, over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I am a little overwhelmed right now,” Hellberg said. “This is something I’ve been fighting for for five years, so to be able to get this opportunity in the last game of the season is very big for me.”
Jimmy Vesey scored his 16th of the season early in the third period to provide the game-winner.
Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh also scored for the Rangers.
New York rested a number of players but also inserted a few into the lineup for conditioning of sorts after missing several games for various injuries.
Nick Bonino and Carter Rowney scored for the Pens who rested what seemed like a full lineup for the last regular season game.
Pittsburgh now gets ready for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round.
The Rangers now get ready for their opening round set with the Montreal Canadiens.
“Come [Monday] morning, what happened so far for each and every player, the page is turned. Everybody has a clean slate and a great opportunity in front of them to make a difference and an impact in the playoffs. This is what we worked for the whole season,” Vigneault said after the win.
WATCH: All Penguins vs. Rangers highlights
Tristan Jarry made 22 saves in taking the loss in his first NHL game.
“I thought [Jarry] looked really good in there,” Pens head coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s got a calm demeanor about him. He looked very composed. He made some big saves for us.”
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