Jimmy Vesey and Artemi Panarin lead Rangers to 4
NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Rempe helped the New York Rangers get their postseason off to a strong start.
Rempe and Artemi Panarin scored 33 seconds apart in the second period, and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers beat the Washington Capitals 4-1 on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
Jimmy Vesey had a goal and an assist, Chris Kreider also scored, Barclay Goodrow had two assists for the Rangers. Igor Shesterkin finished with 20 saves.
“It’s obviously good to get that first one,” said New York’s Peter Laviolette, who became the first coach in NHL history to lead six different teams to the Stanley Cup playoffs. “There’s things we could have done better. ... You need to win one at a time, so for that the result was good.”
The Rangers, seeking their first championship in 30 years, won their third straight and 11th in the last 14 games.