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Crosby, Penguins made life miserable for Lundqvist, Rangers

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Conor Sheary #43, Sidney Crosby #87 and Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate a goal by Crosby at 12:57 of the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Sidney Crosby’s scuffle with Ryan McDonagh turned out to be a mere appetizer for a matchup of one of the hottest players in the NHL vs. one of the league’s hottest teams.

Rick Nash and the New York Rangers managed a 1-0 lead that became a faint memory thanks to a five-goal second period by Crosby and the Penguins, who ultimately won 6-1 on Wednesday.

It was quite the response to the tension built by that Crosby - McDonagh scuffle and that hit on Conor Sheary. It was also the Penguins’ way of replying to the Rangers’ 5-2 victory against the Penguins from Monday.

Crosby’s remarkable work continues with two goals and one assist, all in that dominant middle frame. Astoundingly, No. 87 has 14 goals in as many games (and 19 points overall).

Sheary got a measure of revenge in his own right with a goal while plenty of other Penguins enjoyed nice games, from Phil Kessel (goal, assist) to Nick Bonino (two assists).

Considering Pittsburgh’s 38-17 shots on goal edge, it’s foolish to put this all on Henrik Lundqvist, who made it about halfway through the game before getting the hook for Antti Raanta.

At least this didn’t happen again, though:

However you feel about this scuffle, it’s clear that Crosby and Penguins won this round. Here’s hoping these two teams continue this brewing rivalry with another playoff matchup, eh?