The New York Rangers are in firm control of their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins once again, taking a 2-1 lead with a 2-1 win behind some fantastic defense and goals from Carl Hagelin and Chris Kreider.

Far from playing pretty hockey, the Rangers are simply following through on the formula that helped them get the best record in the NHL this season, which is about making teams pay for mistakes, and less about taking the initiative, maybe taking a page from their losses to the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup last year.

Henrik Lundqvist saved 95.8% of the shots taken in his direction, only letting one slip through with less than seven minutes left in the game. Unless the Pens get something more from Evgeni Malkin during his time on the ice, it’s hard seeing them pulling off the comeback and upset.

Rest of the playoffs

Minnesota Wild beat the St. Louis Blues 3-0, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. Zach Parise and Jason Pominville scored a goal and added an assist each.

Anaheim Ducks take a 3-0 lead in their series with the Winnipeg Jets, beating them 5-4 on the road in overtime. Rickard Rakell scored the winning goal. Jakob Silfverberg scored once and had two assists.

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