The Pittsburgh Penguins recovered from a disappointing loss to the New York Rangers at home over the weekend, rallying to a 2-1 series lead with a 3-1 win in Game 3.
Penguins vs. Rangers 2016 results: Pittsburgh’s rookie goalie out-duels Henrik Lundqvist in Game 3
Matt Murray led the Penguins to a 2-1 series lead.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Murray was excellent in net in lieu of injured Penguins starter Marc-Andre Fleury, stopping 16 of 17 shots in his playoffs debut. Henrik Lundqvist was no slouch at the other end, stopping 28 of 30 shots against for the Rangers.
Lundqvist and Murray looked solid early in the first, both turning aside a handful of decent chances apiece. New York came about the opening goal in a backwards way: by taking a penalty.
Winger Chris Kreider was penalized early in the second period for boarding Penguins winger Patric Hornqvist. A failed Penguins pinch left Rangers winger Rick Nash alone on a breakaway for his first goal of the playoffs and a 1-0 Rangers lead.
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan jumbled lines in the second period, and it seemed to work. Penguins winger Carl Hagelin drew a penalty on Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, and Phil Kessel and Sidney Crosby combined for the game-tying power play goal shortly after.
The goal made Crosby fourth in playoff goal scoring since he entered the league.
The Penguins took the lead seconds into the third period with a goal from Matt Cullen, and the Rangers only mustered four shots on net in the final frame. Kris Letang iced the 3-1 win with an empty-netter in the final minute.
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