NEW YORK- In game one of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers did not disappoint.
Guarding the pipes for Pittsburgh, Marc-Andre Fleury took his stance. Across the ice for New York, Henrik Lundqvist prepared.
Leading off the series with a goal 28 seconds into the first period, Derick Brassard slipped the puck behind Fleury.
Increasing the lead as the clock clicked down, Keith Yandle slide the puck across the ice to Ryan McDonagh. Netting in the puck, Captain McDonagh scored.
With the first period coming to an end, Pittsburgh gave the Rangers four power play opportunities and were outshot 13-5.
Getting the Penguins on the board early in the second period, Blake Comeau lit the lamp.
Holding onto the 2-1 at the end of the second period, the Rangers were still on top.
Taking a puck to the face from Kevin Hayes, Rob Scuderi received medical attention. Returning to the ice later in the period, Scuderi finished the game.
Heading down the Rangers’ tunnel shortly after Scuderi left the ice, Dan Girardi also suffered from taking a puck to the face.
Despite making line changes hoping for production from the offense, the Penguins could not make the comeback.
The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped to the New York Rangers, 2-1. Rangers now lead the series 1-0.
“I think we controlled the momentum of the game pretty much the whole time,” Brassard said. “We cycled the puck, we were playing around their net I think for a big part of the game. That’s what we need to do. We played a solid game. It was a really good effort, but now we have to put it behind us.”
“We put a couple goals there in the first period, and got the crowd and momentum on our side,” Captain McDonagh stated. “You get the nerves out, you get the hits and the bumps going. I thought guys were real good with the puck today for the majority of the game.”
Ryan McDonagh’s power play goal was the winner over Pens – file photo by Jack Lima
Upset with his team efforts in penalties, Fleury said, “We need to stop taking so many penalties. We were getting some chances five on five. We just weren’t five on five enough.”
“I don’t know why we take so many penalties,” added Ben Lovejoy. “But we need to correct it. It’s so frustrating.”
Stanley Cup Playoff action continues Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers is slated for 8 p.m.
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