Artemi Panarin gives Rangers OT win over Penguins in Game 7

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers are squaring off in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs in a matchup of traditional East powerhouse franchises. Here’s a look at how the series is playing out.

Rangers win series 4-3 over Penguins

Game 1: Penguins 4, Rangers 3 3OT

The Rangers jumped out to the early lead in this game but Jake Guentzel scored two goals as part of a three-goal second period for the Penguins to send things to the final frame tied up 3-3. The Rangers had a goal taken off the board upon further review in the third period, and the teams eventually went to overtime. It took a second and third overtime, but the Penguins eventually got the game-winning goal from Evgeni Malkin. We’ll see if these teams look sluggish in Game 2 after playing nearly two games Tuesday night.

Game 2: Rangers 5, Penguins 2

Recap — After a tough 4-3 3OT loss in Game 1, the Rangers got the series even with a win on Thursday night at home. It was an important game, avoiding a 2-0 hole heading to Pittsburgh for Game 3. The Rangers had a big second period thanks to Ryan Strome and Chris Kreider scoring goals and never really looked back. Igor Shesterkin made 39 saves on 41 shots, something that feels unsustainable in the playoffs on the road. We’ll see if Shesterkin can continue to carry the team.

Game 3: Penguins 7, Rangers 4

Recap — This was a wild one. After going up 4-1 in the first period, the Penguins allowed the Rangers to tied the game with three straight goals in the second. Danton Heinen would score the game-winning goal in the third period before two empty-net goals sealed the win for Pittsburgh.

Game 4: Penguins 7, Rangers 2

Recap — The Penguins dominated at home with another seven-goal performance in their Game 4 win on Monday night. Pittsburgh is now up 3-1 in the series and can end things on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. There may be something wrong with Igor Shesterkin or he’s just broken. Shesterkin, who is expected to win the Vezina Trophy this season, was lit up again for six goals on 30 shots. It wasn’t all his fault given how many scoring opportunities the Penguins were getting. Sidney Crosby had three points, and Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel each scored in the win.

Game 5: Rangers 5, Penguins 3

Recap — New York was able to capitalize on the lack of Sidney Crosby and take Game 5 to make the series 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Friday. Crosby was injured late in the second period and did not return. The team didn’t offer an update in-game. The Rangers would go on to score four goals after Crosby exited, including once on the power play. We’ll see if there’s any discipline for Jacob Trouba after his hit on Crosby.

Game 6: Rangers 5, Penguins 3

Recap — The Penguins didn’t have Sidney Crosby for Game 6 of the first round vs. the Rangers. It didn’t matter until less than 2:00 left in the third when Chris Kreider scored to game-winning goal to force Game 7 on Sunday. It’s unclear if Crosby will be able to return for the critical game. Evgeni Malkin and the top line with Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel combined for two goals. The rest of the Pens didn’t do much and Igor Shesterkin made 31 saves for New York.

Game 7: Rangers 4, Penguins 3

Recap — Artemi Panarin scored on a power play in overtime to help the Rangers get past the Penguins and into the second round. The Rangers will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the next round.