Penguins hold off Rangers to take Game 3

Game 3 between the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins was a spirited affair that saw many ebbs and flows.

The first period went decisively to the Penguins. Brock McGinn started the scoring off for the home team, banking the puck in off of defenseman Patrick Nemeth just as the net was dislodged. Evan Rodrigues scored 2 goals and added an assist for a 3-point period. Kaapo Kakko scored the lone Rangers goal of the period on a beautiful backhand sauce from Alexis Lafreniere.

Heading into the second period, Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant pulled Vezina hopeful Igor Shesterkin in favor of Alexander Georgiev. Shesterkin allowed 4 goals on just 15 shots for a .733 save percentage in the first period.

The netminder switch seemed to catch the attention of the Rangers players and they responded with an amazing second period. The Rangers tightened up defensively and didn't allow a shot on fresh goaltender Georgiev until the halfway mark of the period. The Rangers notched three consecutive goals in the second period from Frank Vatrano, Artemi Panarin, and even a short handed marker as the net was knocked off from Andrew Copp.

The third period was a much closer period, not dominated by either team. The Rangers failed to convert on two power play opportunities. Eventually Danton Heinen scored the game-winning goal on a five-hole shot from low in the zone.

The Rangers pulled Georgiev twice in an attempt to tie the game to no avail. Despite having a solid game, Sidney Crosby had notched 0 points until his 2 empty-net assists late in the game, one of which was a between the leg pass to Jeff Carter to seal the game.

After a slow start to Game 3, the Rangers look to bounce back and take Game 4 Monday night in Pittsburgh.

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