Lafreniere leads Rangers past Capitals

WASHINGTON — Alexis Lafreniere got a chance to play on the New York Rangers’ top line with Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, and the result was one of the team’s most complete efforts of the season.

Lafreniere scored his second NHL goal, Panarin had two assists and the Rangers made the best of a new- look lineup, beating the Washington Capitals 4- 1 Saturday for their second consecutive victory.

“We felt great today, had many chances,” Panarin said through an interpreter. “Obviously we felt it today, and it was great to see Alexis score.”

Lafreniere, the top pick in the 2020 draft, cashed in on his promotion by scoring for the first time in eight games. Panarin set up Lafreniere on the doorstep late in the second period, and his shot provided the rebound for Chris Kreider’s power- play goal in the first.

“Goal- scorers thrive off confidence, and usually when one goes in it starts a little bit of a snowball effect, so we certainly hope that happens for Alexis,” coach David Quinn said. “He continues to improve, come to the rink with a great attitude and work hard, and as long as he continues to do that, good things are going to happen for him.”

PENGUINS 3, ISLANDERS 2

PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby had two assists in his 1,000th NHL game, and Pittsburgh beat New York.

Kris Letang scored twice, including a tiebreaking goal in the third period, as Pittsburgh won for the fourth time in five games. Mike Matheson also scored, and Tristan Jarry made 33 saves.

Jordan Eberle and Brock Nelson scored for New York, which has dropped two straight following a seasonhigh eight- game point streak. Semyon Varlamov stopped 15 shots.

Nelson gave the Islanders a 2- 1 lead with his fifth goal just 53 seconds into the third period, but the Penguins responded.

Matheson tied it with his first goal for the Penguins at 7: 35. He started the rush and finished the play with a wrist shot from the slot.

Letang put Pittsburgh ahead for good at 13: 34. His center- point wrist shot beat Varlamov over the shoulder to the blocker side.