Rangers shut out Devils
N.Y.’S Shesterkin posts first shutout as rivals open four-game set
Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves in posting his first NHL shutout and the New York Rangers opened a four-game series against the rival New Jersey Devils with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night.
Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin scored and Adam Fox had assists on both goals as New York improved to 10-4-3 since March 13. Pavel Buchnevich scored into an empty net with 28 seconds to play for the 20,000th goal in Rangers’ franchise history.
Mackenzie Blackwood had 17 saves as the young Devils fell to 2-7-2 in their last 11. Even the return of captain Nico Hischier from a broken nose that had sidelined him since Feb. 27 didn’t help.
The 25-year-old Shesterkin was on his game from the start, stopping a breakaway by Jesper Bratt in the opening 10 seconds and another by Devils top goalscorer Miles Wood in the second period.
Zibanejad, who has 12 goals in his last 15 games scored on a breakaway at 7:02 of a wide-open first period. The speedy center took a pass in center-ice, blew past the defense and beat Blackwood with a forehand over his glove hand.
After a very defensive middle period, Panarin gave the Rangers breathing room at 7:50 of the third with a goal from the left circle off a nice cross-ice pass by Filip Chytil.
Bruins 3, Sabres 2 (SO): Charlie Coyle and Jake Debrusk scored in Boston’s two chances in the shootout and the Bruins, with newcomer Taylor Hall, rebounded for a victory over Buffalo. Craig Smith and David Krejci scored in regulation for Boston, which had lost its last two games but improved to 4-2-1 in its last seven. Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves for the Bruins and stopped Buffalo’s two shootout attempts.
Capitals 6, Flyers 1: Anthony Mantha had two points in his Washington debut, Alex Ovechkin scored the 728th goal of his NHL career and the Capitals got their third consecutive victory.
Flames 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT): Johnny Gaudreau scored 36 seconds into overtime and Calgary beat firstplace Toronto.
Predators 7, Lightning 2: Roman Josi had a goal and an assist in Nashville’s three-goal first period as the Predators got their fifth win in six games.
Panthers 3, Stars 2 (OT): Frank Vatrano scored a power-play goal with 1:51 left in overtime to lift Florida.