In Pittsburgh, Chris Kreider scored his 23rd power play goal of the year in the third period. The goal proved to be the game-winner as the Rangers defeated the Penguins 3-2, on Tuesday night.
“It was an intense game,” Kreider said. “All the games are at this time of the year with where our team is in the standings. The level of intensity is ramped up every single game as we get to the end here.”
New York scored twice in the middle frame to take a 2-1 lead.
Brian Boyle had given Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead in the first period.
Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves in the Rangers win.
“Before the game, look at the standings. You know you’re one point behind them,” New York coach Gerard Gallant said. “We have a game in hand. You know it’s a big game coming in here, so let’s go play a good hockey game tonight. … We knew we were going to get challenged tonight.
“We played a real good hockey game tonight. So I’m proud of our group. They played great.”
New York improved to 43-19-5, the win moved the Rangers into second place in the Metropolitan Division.
“I think when we executed, we had momentum,” Boyle said. “When we didn’t, they had momentum. They got chances. We’re not thrilled with the whole of our game.”
Frank Vatrano tied the game, 1-1, with a goal in his third straight game since joining the Rangers.
New York took a 2-1 lead off a goal from Braden Schneider.
Schneider pushed into the mid slot area and Artemi Panarin found him with a perfect set up pass for a one-timer.
“We have such a great group of guys,” Schneider said. “To be able to be playing with everyone on our team and to be part of this is pretty special. I just hope we can keep rolling like we are. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Pittsburgh dropped to 40-18-10.
“It was a way different game tonight than on Friday,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “It was a way different game. It was a low-event game. I don’t think there were significant scoring chances on either side. I think that’s a testament to both teams’ commitment to defend hard.
“It just felt like you’re fighting for every inch of ice out there in all three zones. We were trying to force them to do the same. They got a couple of looks. They finished.”
Sidney Crosby scored midway through the third period to make it 3-2, but that was as close as the Pens would get.
“I thought we played a little bit better,” the Pens Jake Guentzel said. “I think we know we have another level to go. Thought we pushed in the third, but you’ve got to have a full 60 minutes, and (I) think there’s still another level for us to get to. We’ve just got to make sure that we keep going here in trying to get the next one.
“We know we’re going against some tough opponents coming up. This is the best time to play hockey, so it’s going to be fun to go on the road and see what we’re made of.”
Tristan Jarry made 23 saves in the Pittsburgh loss.
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