Lafrenière hat trick lifts Rangers past Islanders 5-2 for fourth straight win
The Rangers are unbeaten since their season-opening loss at Boston and are 3-0 at Madison Square Garden.
What we know
- The New York Rangers beat the New York Islanders 5-2 at Madison Square Garden, scoring once in the first period, twice in the second and twice in the third. [1]
- Alexis Lafrenière scored three goals and had four points. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, and Mika Zibanejad was named the game's third star. [1] [2]
- Igor Shesterkin made 17 saves, according to The Associated Press. Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov allowed three goals on 22 shots in his first NHL game since Nov. 29, 2024. [1] [2]
- The Rangers lead the season series 1-0. They have not lost since their opener at Boston, according to the AP. [1] [2]
Alexis Lafrenière scored a hat trick and added an assist as the New York Rangers beat the New York Islanders 5-2 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, extending their winning streak to four games.[1][2]
According to The Associated Press, the Rangers have not lost since being shut out in their season opener at Boston. They are 3-0 at home. Last season they lost their first seven games at the Garden.[2]
Lafrenière finished with three goals and four points, two of the goals coming into an empty net, according to the AP. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, and Mika Zibanejad was named the game's third star. Bjorkstrand was the first star and Lafrenière the second.[1][2]
The Rangers did not register a shot until 6:40 into the game, the AP reported. Bjorkstrand scored on it for his first goal with the team. New York added two goals in the second period and two in the third.[1][2]
Igor Shesterkin made 17 saves for the win, according to the AP. Semyon Varlamov, playing in the NHL for the first time since Nov. 29, 2024, allowed three goals on 22 shots. The AP said Varlamov looked rusty after returning from double partial knee replacement surgeries.[1][2]
Islanders captain Bo Horvat and forward Calum Ritchie scored for the Islanders, and Brayden Schenn had two assists. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer hit the post twice among his 12 shot attempts, according to the AP.[1][2]
The AP reported that Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom was struck in the face by a puck late in the first period and returned in the second. Center Cole Beaudoin made his NHL debut for the Rangers after being called up when Joe Veleno was injured Sunday, the AP said.[1][2]
The Islanders host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. The Rangers visit the Washington Capitals on Friday.[2]