(Washington) Vincent Trocheck scored a power play goal and a shorthanded assist as the New York Rangers moved within a second round victory on Friday, beating the Washington Capitals 3-1.
New York leads the series 3-0 heading into Game 4, Sunday at 8 p.m.
The Rangers scored at five-on-five, five-on-four and also on the penalty kill, in a great display from the special teams.
The Presidents’ Trophy winners dominated the regular season in part thanks to their brilliance when a rival is in the dungeon.
Trocheck was complicit in Barclay Goodrow’s shorthanded goal; he also scored on the power play.
Chris Kreider deflected a shot for a 42e career goal in the playoffs, a high in club history.
Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves. He was reminded of his performance in 2022 where he won the Vezina Trophy, frustrating Max Pacioretty at point blank range and also resisting Alexander Ovechkin. The latter remains without a point since the start of the series.
“We’re playing really well,” Shesterkin said. However, we have to win another game, and we are focused on the next (match). »
“Shesty was spectacular once again,” Trocheck said. He is a spectacular goalkeeper. We need him to be the backbone of this team. He’s been doing it for years now. »
John Carlson beat Shesterkin on a floater early in the first period.
The Rangers scored shorthanded in consecutive playoff games for the first time since April 1990.
Charlie Lindgren made 19 saves.
The Capitals were still without two of their top four defensemen, Nick Jensen and Rasmus Sandin.
They lost another one midway through the first period when Trevor van Riemsdyk was hit by Matt Rempe.
“It was a dirty move,” Capitals center Nic Dowd said. I believe a player took advantage of another player being in a vulnerable position. You obviously hope Riems is doing well. »
The recruit could also face another disciplinary hearing.
Rempe was suspended for four games in March for an illegal head check.