Brassard scores early in overtime as Rangers beat Penguins in Game 1

The New York Ranger beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime Friday to jump out to a 1-0 series lead in their second round playoff matchup.

The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals scored by Benoit Pouliot and Brad Richards, while Penguins forwards Lee Stempniak and James Neal countered with a goal apiece in the second to tie the score. Pittsburgh outshot New York 12-8 in the final frame (and 35-25 overall during regulation), but extra time was needed to settle Game 1.

The Rangers won the game 3:06 into overtime on a goal scored by Derrick Brassard; play initially continued as it was not evident that the puck went in and Benoit Pouliot put the puck behind Lundqvist to end the play, but the goal was later rightfully credited to Brassard.

[Courtesy Extra Skater]

Star Performer

Pouliot registered a goal, an assist and two shots in 15:39 of ice time, one of only two Rangers (along with Dan Girardi) to post two points on the night. He opened the scoring with the following goal, and assisted on the game winner by Brassard in overtime.

[Courtesy NHL.com]

Turning Point

The Rangers entered the second period with a two-goal lead and after having out shot the Penguins 13-8 in the opening frame, but Lee Stempniak gave his team new life with this tremendous goal. 

[Courtesy NHL.com]

Highlight Reel

The Penguins dominated possession over the course of periods two and three, but Lundqvist kept the score tied with spectacular saves like this one off the stick of Evgeni Malkin.

[Courtesy NHL.com]

Brassard ended the game in overtime with a snipe over Fleury's shoulder. As the video shows, play went on until Pouliot also scored on Fleury, but, upon review, Brassard's shot was deemed to be the winning tally.

[Courtesy NHL.com]

Quote of the Night

Rangers head coach praised the line of Pouliot, Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, joking they were good enough to win the game twice.

Game 2 is set for Sunday in Pittsburgh.