New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers beat Capitals 3-1, take commanding 3-0 series lead

The New York Rangers are one game away from a sweep.

They defeated the Washington Capitals 3-1 on Friday night at Washington's Capital One Arena to go take a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Game 4 is Sunday at the Capital One Arena at 8 p.m. ET.

Vincent Trocheck had a goal and an assist, and Chris Kreider and Barclay Goodrow also scored for New York. Mika Zibanejad had two assists, and Igor Shesterkin made 28 saves.

Kreider's and Goodrow's goals came two minutes apart early in the first period and gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead. Goodrow's was a short-handed effort and was the go-ahead goal at 8:08.

Defenseman John Carlson had given the Capitals a 1-0 lead 5:34 into the game, but Kreider tied it just 34 seconds later.

Trocheck's power-play goal came with 4:38 left in the opening period.

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