3 stars from Sunday’s 4-1 win in Game 1 between Rangers and Capitals:
1.Matt Lempe
To the delight of the Garden crowd and the Blueshirts as a whole, the 6-foot-8¹/₂ forward scored his first playoff goal in his postseason debut, sparking a three-point start to the second period for his team.
2. Jimmy Vesey
Vesey, who finished with a goal and an assist, dominated on the forecheck as the mainstay of the Rangers’ fourth line, scoring two of the club’s four goals.
3. Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin, who had a disappointing showing in last season’s playoffs, scored the crucial goal with his right foot 33 seconds after Rempe scored to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead.
important moment
Madison Square Garden was surprisingly quiet through a sleepy, scoreless first period, but after Lempe scored, the world’s most famous arena woke up and the Rangers took advantage for the rest of the game.
quote of the day
“I know my game. I skate well, I’m strong, and I think my body is in shape for the playoffs. That’s where you want to play, and the way tonight played out… I was satisfied.”
— Matt Lempe
