WASHINGTON — The Rangers probably took one penalty too many in their 3-1 first-round matchup against the Capitals, but the way they ran the entire series was a factor.
Asked if he had any thoughts on the 12 total penalties called on Friday night, Blueshirts head coach Peter Laviolette pursed his lips and said:
“I have an idea.”
Did he want to share them?
“it’s not.”
Despite the difference on the power play, with the Capitals scoring six points and the Rangers scoring four, the visitors have benefited from all the special teams play in this series.
The Rangers scored three points on 12 power play opportunities through three games, while the Capitals converted 2 of 15.
This means the Rangers’ penalty kill successfully fended off 13 of Washington’s 15 power plays.
The Rangers also scored a shorthanded goal for the second straight game.
This was the fourth time in Rangers history that the Rangers scored shorthanded goals in consecutive playoff games, a statistic that began being recorded in 1933-1934.
The Rangers also became the third team on record to score the game-winning goal shorthanded in consecutive postseason games.
“I think we were able to capitalize on some of the chances that we got at some pretty important times,” said Chris Kreider, who scored the Rangers’ only 5-on-5 goal in the first period Friday night. “Maybe we went into the box too many times, but I think the penalty kill did a great job.” [Igor Shesterkin] He did an especially great job. ”
Jack Roslovic assisted on Kreider’s goal, extending his point streak to three games.
Alex Wennberg suited up for Game 3 despite missing the Rangers’ previous practice for what the team described as maintenance.
“It was just one of those days,” he said after a morning skate at Capital One Arena. “I was skating in the morning and getting ready for the game, but nothing special.”
The Rangers are scheduled to practice Saturday afternoon before getting a chance to close out the series with Game 4 on Sunday.
