New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Chris Kreider and Dan Boyle each produced
first-period goals, and the resilient New York Rangers held off the Washington
Capitals down the stretch for a critical 3-2 win in Game 2 of this Eastern
Conference semifinal series.
Derick Brassard added a pivotal goal in the third period to help New York even
this best-of-seven set and bounce back from a tough 2-1 loss on home ice in
Thursday’s opener, during which a costly turnover from Boyle from a somewhat
controversial hit from Nicklas Backstrom set up Joel Ward’s winner with 1.3
seconds remaining.
Henrik Lundqvist recorded 30 saves for New York, marking the 10th straight
time he has let up two goals or fewer in a playoff victory at Madison Square
Garden.
Braden Holtby stopped 32 shots for Washington, which drew within 3-2 with 9:31
remaining on Alex Ovechkin’s second goal of the series but couldn’t come up
with the equalizer.
Evgeny Kuznetsov also scored for the Capitals, who will host Game 3 when the
series resumes on Monday.
