The New York Rangers celebrate the goal by center Andrew Copp (18) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers even series with 5-2 win over Penguins in Game 2

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/5/22

The New York Rangers bounced back from a triple-overtime loss in Game 1 on Tuesday to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-2, on Thursday and even the first-round series.

Pittsburgh was again forced to rely on third-string goalie Louis Domingue, who was called to action in double overtime of Game 1 when Casey DeSmith left with an undisclosed injury. While Domingue made 17 saves and allowed zero goals Tuesday, he gave up five against the Rangers in Game 2.

The two sides were tied 1-1 after the first period before New York opened up a two-goal lead in the second period with goals from Ryan Strome and Chris Kreider.

Hand-eye coordination is . #StanleyCup

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Penguins star Sidney Crosby was able to halve the lead with the 70th playoff goal of his career late in the second period, but the Rangers poured it on in the third period with goals from Artemi Panarin and Frank Vatrano.

"'Scuse me, coming through!" — @frank_vatrano, probably. #StanleyCup

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: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/AiyXlrv5QP pic.twitter.com/r5lE89HIb3
— NHL (@NHL) May 6, 2022

The series will now head to Pittsburgh for Game 3, which is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. DeSmith is considered "day-to-day," according to Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, and the team is still without All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry, who suffered a leg injury in April.

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