Chris Kreider forced Game 7 by scoring the game-winning goal less than 90 seconds from the end of the third period on Friday in Pittsburgh. The New York Rangers won 5-3 against the Penguins to tie the series 3-3.
Kreider took a shot taking advantage of the traffic in front of Louis Domingue. The latter initially made the save, but he was unable to maintain control of the puck. It slowly floated into the net, believing the keeper to have it in his possession.
It was Kreider’s second goal of the match.
Ascent
Visibly eager to end the series, the Penguins quickly imposed their rhythm in the first period. Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust took turns deceiving the vigilance of Igor Shesterkin in 96 seconds of play.
Sensing the urgency of the situation, Rangers took advantage of the intermission to calm down. Mika Zibanejad tied the game moments later with his first two goals of the series. The two teams then exchanged a goal before the end of the second period.
Nominated for the Vézina Trophy, Shesterkin has repeatedly demonstrated his qualities as a goalkeeper this year. He also proved in that encounter that he could be an attacking threat by delivering a long pass to Zibanejad on a streak that led to a Kreider goal.
Shesterkin was tested 34 times, while Domingue made 33 saves. At the end of the match in an empty cage, Andrew Copp scored for the fourth time since the start of the playoffs.
In short
The Penguins were without captain Sidney Crosby, who is struggling with an upper-body injury from a blow to the face by Jacob Trouba on Wednesday. He had skated for a few minutes in the morning.
Mike Sullivan also lost the services of Brian Boyle in the first period. He too is injured. Kasperi Kapanen and Evgeni Malkin were also shaken during the game.
Game 7 of the series is Sunday in New York.
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