NHL: New York Rangers 3, Washington 1

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NEW YORK, April 28 (UPI) -- Chris Kreider and Brad Richards each scored third-period goals Saturday, propelling the New York Rangers past Washington 3-1 in Game 1 of their playoff series.

Kreider netted an open-ice goal after catching the Capitals on a line change 7 minutes into the final frame, breaking a 1-1 tie, and Richards followed that with a close-in tally 1 1/2 minutes later.

Kreider added an assist for his first career two-point game and Artem Anisimov also found the net for the top-seeded Rangers, who grabbed a 1-0 lead in their seven-game Eastern Conference semifinal series against Washington.

Henrik Lundqvist wasn't sorely tested in the contest, turning aside 17-of-18 shots to earn the victory for New York.

Jason Chimera scored and Braden Holtby stopped 11-of-14 shots in the Caps' loss.