NHL
Advertisement
live
Updated 9s ago
Defending Stanley Cup champion Florida opened its season with a 3-2 win over Chicago on a third-period goal by Jesper Boqvist
In the second game of the day, the Penguins shut out the Rangers 3-0, with Avalanche–Kings up next. Follow live as The Athletic’s NHL writers cover all the action tonight.
Schedule:
Streaming: Fubo (Stream Free Now). Get in touch with us: live@theathletic.com
There wasn't an obvious reason why fans were cheering at the Rangers game during the middle of the third period, leading to some confusion at the press box. It turns out Aaron Judge hit a game-tying home run in ALDS Game 3, and the New York crowd approved.
Advertisement
FINAL – Penguins 3, Rangers 0
That will do it from Madison Square Garden as the Penguins shut out the Rangers on opening night.
Justin Brazeau's goal late in the first period loomed large all night and New York was never able to equalize despite a few decent chances.
P3 1:52 – Penguins 3, Rangers 0
Blake Lizotte strikes moments later, assisted by Ryan Shea and Connor Dewar.
Lizotte let it fly from well inside the Penguins zone and found nylon regardless.
P3 2:12 – Penguins 2, Rangers 0
New York empties its net with just over two minutes to play and Pittsburgh capitalizes literally seconds later.
The puck finds Malkin and he delivers a perfect pass to Brazeau, who walks into the Rangers zone with nobody in front of him for the empty netter.
P3 4:29 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Carson Soucy's shot is blocked but the puck bounces to Mika Zibanejad near the net.
His rebound attempt is blocked but he flicks another shot that sails just over the bar as the Madison Square Garden crowd groans.
That's the best look New York has created in a quite a while.
P3 8:58 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Chances continue to pile up for New York but none of them have truly been that menacing.
The Penguins have kept the Rangers away from the dangerous spots on the ice and New York has gotten weak shots on target consistently.
Advertisement
P3 11:47 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
With less than 12 minutes to play, the two sides are even on shots with 23 apiece.
Shesterkin has kept the Rangers around but they just have not been able to find the equalizer yet.
Pittsburgh deserves credit for that, playing a disciplined defensive game.
P3 15:32 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Critical save from Igor Shesterkin there on a shot by Anthony Mantha.
New York cannot afford to fall behind a second goal here in the third period.
P3 18:15 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Arturs Silovs has played well in his Penguins debut, smothering an attempt from Alexis Lafrenière.
Seconds later, the final seconds of New York's power play ticks off the clock.
Most of the quality looks on that advantage came in the final moments of the second period.
P3 20:00 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
New York has 55 seconds remaining on its power play after a tripping call on Kris Letang.
The Rangers win the faceoff.
The careers of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are a rarity in today's sports' landscape …
Advertisement
Norman W.: Not a very inspiring two periods by the Rangers. Seems very disjointed. Opening night jitters maybe. Bench Trocheck and let Laba take the 2C spot in the 3rd period.
David H.: Only two periods, but I can’t believe I’m watching a defensively responsible Penguins team.
Alex R.: Mika looking a little more active compared to last year but still a soft shooter.
Cobra S.: Laba really looking like a bright spot.
Matt O.: Wild how Crosby is still the best player on the ice, and it’s not even close.
Shots:
Hits:
Penalty Minutes:
Faceoff %:
Blocked shots:
Giveaways:
In his in-game TV interview, Mike Sullivan said the Rangers had "little bit of hesitation in our game." Through two periods, that's an accurate assessment. The Sidney Crosby line has generated will against the Will Cuylle–J.T. Miller–Mika Zibanejad line, and Miller and Artemi Panarin both have shown signs of rust after missing time in the preseason with injuries. Panarin drew a penalty on Kris Letang late in the second, though, and the Rangers will be on the power play to start the third period.
Mika Zibanejad has been active tonight. He's probably been the Rangers' best top-six player. Panarin and Miller both look a bit rusty coming off preseason injuries.
End P2 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Great look for the Rangers but Arturs Silovs is right there.
Mika Zibanejad fires a one-timer on goal but the shot does not challenge the Penguins keeper.
Moments later, Zibanejad rips another shot on target with the same result.
While the Rangers did not score there, that was the most pressure they've applied to the Penguins tonight.
New York will have 55 seconds remaining on the power play to start the third period.
Advertisement
P2 1:05 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Off a bad Pittsburgh turnover, the puck finds Mika Zibanejad again. This time his wrist shot is saved Arturs Silovs before the goaltender walls up against Will Cuylle's rebound attempt.
Kris Letang trips Artemi Panarin moments later, giving New York its second power play of the night.
The Penguins just had the best chance for either team this period when Sidney Crosby found Ville Koivunen in front of the net. The young Finnish forward put himself in position to beat Igor Shesterkin, but his shot hit the post.
P2 3:45 – Penguins 1, Rangers 0
Ville Koivunen finds the post from point blank range.
Shesterkin had fallen out of position but Koivunen doinked it off the iron.
New York got away with one there …