New York's loss kept them from becoming the first NHL team to win a best-of-7 series after trailing 3-1 in three consecutive postseasons. The Rangers trailed the Penguins 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Second Round two years ago and the Washington Capitals last year before winning those series.
"You have to give credit where credit is due," New York coach Alain Vigneault said. "Pittsburgh, coming into this, they were playing really well. They're on top of their game right now. … They're a really good team."
Pittsburgh will play either the Capitals or Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Second Round. Washington leads that best-of-7 series 3-2 with Game 6 on Sunday.
Forward Bryan Rust gave the Penguins their first lead, 3-2, 5:21 into the second period. Defenseman Trevor Daley sent a slap pass to Rust to the right of the New York net, allowing him to shoot past goalie Henrik Lundqvist.