Artemi Panarin, Rangers Championed By NHL Fans for Sweeping Alex Ovechkin, Capitals

The New York Rangers are the first team to advance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After taking the first three games of the series against the Washington Capitals, New York finished the job Sunday with a 4-2 victory.

It was the first series sweep for the Rangers since 2007, when they swept the Atlanta Thrashers in the first round.

The Presidents' Trophy winners did not take long to get on the board, as Kaapo Kakko scored within the first minute.

Washington would tie it at one, but Vincent Trocheck would reestablish the lead before the first period ended.

Hendrix Lapierre scored for the Caps in the second, and the teams entered the final period knotted at two. However, Panarin would score within the first five minutes of the third to put New York in the lead for a third time.

Washington could not find the equalizer, and an empty-net goal from Jack Roslovic ensured New York's trip to the second round.

Igor Shesterkin had 22 saves, and Panarin's four shots led the team.

Fans took to social media to congratulate Panarin and the Rangers for clinching a berth in the next round:

The Rangers advance out of the first round for the first time since 2022. They will face either the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Islanders in Round 2.

A battle for New York supremacy could be interesting, as it has not happened since 1994. However, it could be a tough ask considering that the Islanders are trailing the Hurricanes 3-1.

If Carolina advances, New York could ride the extra rest and the fact that it won the season series 2-1.