Hockey

Trocheck’s Shootout Goal Lifts Rangers Over Penguins 3-2

by
William Caldwell
February 28, 2026

Vincent Trocheck emerged as the hero for the New York Rangers, scoring the decisive goal in a shootout to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The win marked a crucial moment for the Rangers, snapping a frustrating five-game losing streak and showcasing the resilience of the team.

Goalie Igor Shesterkin was a standout performer, making 31 saves throughout the game, including five in a tense overtime period where both teams had ample opportunities to clinch the win. Trocheck’s shootout goal was the only one scored, outpacing Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner to seal the match.

The Rangers saw contributions from Mika Zibanejad and Taylor Raddysh, who each found the back of the net. Zibanejad’s power-play goal at the 10-minute mark of the second period marked his team-leading 24th goal of the season, while Raddysh tied the game with his ninth goal just minutes into the third period, assisted by Vladislav Gavrikov and Brendan Brisson—who earned his first point as a Ranger.

The Penguins struck first, with Anthony Mantha scoring his 21st goal of the season early in the first period. Defenseman Ryan Shea extended the Penguins’ lead to 2-0 with a goal just 1:59 into the second. However, the Rangers rallied back, demonstrating their determination despite their current standing at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.

Shesterkin’s performance was particularly noteworthy as it marked his second consecutive start since returning from a lower-body injury sustained on January 5. Skinner, in goal for the Penguins, recorded 23 saves but could not prevent the Rangers from breaking through in the shootout.

Currently, the Penguins, under the guidance of first-year head coach Dan Muse, hold a 20-point advantage over the Rangers in the division. The Rangers, coached by former Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, are now at 23-29-7 for the season. Notably, the Penguins were without captain Sidney Crosby, who is expected to miss four weeks due to a lower-body injury incurred at the Winter Olympics.

Looking ahead, the Rangers will host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, while the Penguins prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.