NEW YORK — Sweeter words were never spoken, at least not to the ears of the New York Rangers.
"See you guys Monday," Alain Vigneault said.
When Carl Hagelin's spinning wrist shot found the back of the net with 9:08 remaining in overtime for a 2-1 victory, there was the obvious reason for joy. The Rangers had won not only the game but the best-of-seven series with the Pittsburgh Penguins in front of a jubilant crowd at Madison Square Garden. That's plenty of reason to enjoy a postgame adult beverage and a slice of pizza.
What made it particularly special was this series ended in Game 5. It didn't go six. It didn't go seven. For the first time since 2008, the Rangers won a series in fewer than six games, which means the Rangers won't have to touch the ice at MSG or at their practice facility in Greenburgh all weekend.
For a team that played two seven-gamers and a six-gamer before losing in the final in 2014 and two seven-gamers before losing in six in the conference finals in 2012, this could mean a world of difference for the top-seeded Rangers.
Right?
"I'm not sur ...
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Article written by Dave Lozo
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