Rookie sensation Alexis Lafreniere scores game-winning goal as Rangers beat Penguins 1-0

In a thrilling game on Wednesday night, Jonathan Quick secured his 60th career shutout with an impressive 32 saves, while Alexis Lafreniere scored early in the first period to give the New York Rangers a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Quick, in his first season with the Rangers as Igor Shesterkin‘s backup, has posted a 5-0-1 record with only 11 goals allowed and two shutouts in six starts. This season, the Rangers have won five of six games and are 11-1-1 in their past 13 games.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion became the 20th goalie in NHL history to reach 60 shutouts and now ranks second among active goaltenders behind Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury (73).

Lafreniere scored his eighth goal for the Rangers, who have not lost consecutive games this season. Their 11-game point streak ended with Monday night’s loss at Dallas.

New York has points in nine of 11 road games, including eight of the last nine.

Tristan Jarry made 35 saves for the Penguins, who had a first-period goal disallowed. They have dropped three of four following a five-game win streak.

Pittsburgh went 0 for 5 on the power play, including three chances in the third period.

The Penguins played without two top-six wingers and a third-pairing defenseman. Pittsburgh forward Rickard Rakell (upper body) and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (lower body) were both placed on injured reserve Tuesday, with Rakell out long term and Ruhwedel week-to-week. Bryan Rust, second on the team with nine goals, missed Wednesday’s game and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Quick, who signed a one-year deal with the Rangers in July, has permitted one goal or fewer in three of his six starts.

Lafreniere gave Quick the only goal he needed with a backhand over Jarry’s glove at 5:10 of the first period.

Alex Nylander appeared to tie it for Pittsburgh at 15:30 of the first on a tip from Vinnie Hinostroza, but the goal was wiped out after the Rangers successfully challenged for offside.

UP NEXT

Rangers: Finish a four-game trip Friday at Philadelphia.

Penguins: Visit the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.