The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be continuing without the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a series that ended up a lot closer than a 4-1 series line would indicate, the New York Rangers managed to advance out of the first round thanks to an overtime game-winner from speedster Carl Hagelin.
Every single game in this series was decided by one goal, showing the fight the Penguins had with a depleted lineup. In the end, depth won out with the Rangers dispatching Pittsburgh for the second straight postseason.
Hagelin scored at the 10:52 mark of the extra period after popping out from the corner and fitting a perfect shot just inside the right post and past goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
It’s not often in OT that a guy is going to get that much space in the offensive zone, but Hagelin made the most of the rare opportunity.
The goal was Hagelin’s second of the postseason and undoubtedly one of the biggest of his career. But don't take my word for it.
"One of the happiest moments of my life." Carl Hagelin
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 25, 2015
Also, the goal provided a great coach celebration. Alain Vigneault couldn't contain his excitement over the series clincher.
i couldn't help it. had to isolate AV on the OT celebration pic.twitter.com/V9ta1jXnNb
— Stephanie Vail (@myregularface) April 25, 2015
The Rangers will await the winner of the series between the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders , while the Penguins head into yet another offseason of many questions.
