Rangers hang on in Pittsburgh to regain home-ice advantage

The New York Rangers withstood a third-period barrage by the Pittsburgh Penguins to win Game 3 by a 2-1 score and take a 2-1 series lead Monday.

Carl Hagelin opened the scoring in the first period and Chris Kreider extended the advantage in the second before Patric Hornqvist spoiled Henrik Lundqvist's shutout bid in the third.

Star Performer: New York defenseman Dan Girardi assisted on both Rangers goals and led all players in time on ice (25:52). He finished with four hits and six blocks.

Turning Point: Kreider's goal provided enough of a cushion for New York to weather Pittsburgh's late charge.

Goalie Comparison: Marc-Andre Fleury was the busier netminder through two periods, but Lundqvist came alive with 12 saves on 13 Penguins shots in the third period after stopping 11 shots in the opening 40 minutes.

Top Highlight: Lundqvist displayed excellent lateral movement to deny Sidney Crosby as the Penguins captain cut through the crease for a chance in the third period. The save was crucial to maintaining New York's lead, which was cut to one goal five minutes later.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Stat of the Night: The Penguins did not record a shot on goal for the first 15 minutes of the first period. The team's first shot was a blast from the neutral zone in the dying seconds of a power play.

The Rangers have scored first in all three games in the series.

Series at a glance

Game 1: Rangers 2, Penguins 1
Game 2: Penguins 4, Rangers 3
Game 3: Rangers 2, Penguins 1
Game 4: Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m. ET
Game 5: Friday, April 24, TBA
Game 6*: Sunday, April 26, TBA
Game 7*: Tuesday, April 28, TBA

*If necessary