Panthers take G1 of Eastern finals as Bobrovsky shuts down Rangers - ESPN

NEW YORK — Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 23 shots for his first shutout of the postseason, Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and an assist and the Florida Panthers beat the New York Rangers 2-0 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final.

Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett also scored. Bobrovsky, who had six shutouts during the regular season, had the second of his career in the playoffs.

Igor Shesterkin finished with 24 saves for Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers. They lost for the third time in four games after opening the postseason with seven straight victories.

Game 2 is Friday night in New York.

The Panthers went 0 for 2 on the power play to fall to 9 for 43 in the postseason. The Rangers were 0 for 1.

With Florida leading 1-0, Bobrovsky slid to his left to deny a one-timer with Kaapo Kakko 6½ minutes into the third.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson appeared to add to the lead when he beat Shesterkin from the left side several minutes later. However, the goal was overturned after a challenge for goalie interference because the Panthers' Ryan Lomberg bumped into Shesterkin in the crease.

The Rangers had a flurry of chances with about seven minutes remaining. Alexander Wennberg was denied on two attempts in close, Jacob Trouba had a shot blocked and Wennberg missed on another shot seconds later.

Bobrovsky made a kick save on a drive by Adam Fox during a New York power play with 5:25 remaining.

The Panthers made it 2-0 when Verhaeghe's centering pass for Tkachuk was deflected past Shesterkin by Lafreniere with 3:48 to go. Verhaeghe got credit for his seventh of the playoffs.

The Rangers pulled Shesterkin for an extra skater with 3½ minutes remaining, but could not beat Bobrovsky.

The goalie stopped a slap shot by Mika