NEW YORK – The New York Rangers continued their impressive form by securing a 3-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, stretching their winning streak to three games. Jonathan Quick’s exceptional performance in goal, combined with Jimmy Vesey’s dual strikes, laid the foundation for the Rangers’ success.
Quick, who was in the net for the third consecutive game, made 18 saves, attributing the victory to the effective defense that stifled the Lightning’s efforts throughout the match. “When we play like we played today it gives us a good chance to win every night,” Quick remarked, praising his team’s defensive strategy.
Jonny Brodzinski also found the net for the Rangers, contributing to their season record of 32-16-3. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette highlighted the team’s defensive work ethic, emphasizing the importance of limiting the opposition’s time and space.
The Lightning, coming off a three-game winning streak, faced a tough return from the NHL All-Star break, having last played on January 27. Despite efforts from Brandon Hagel and 21 saves by Andrei Vasilevskiy, the team struggled to match the Rangers’ intensity, with coach Jon Cooper acknowledging the fatigue that set in as the game progressed.
A concerning moment for Tampa Bay occurred in the second period when defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was stretchered off following an awkward fall, dampening the mood for the Lightning. This was Sergachev’s first game back after a lengthy absence due to a lower-body injury, and his condition cast a shadow over the team’s performance.
Vesey’s opener early in the second period set the tone for the Rangers, and despite Hagel’s goal narrowing the gap for the Lightning, New York managed to maintain their lead, culminating in Vesey’s empty-net goal sealing the 3-1 victory.
The Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov notched an assist on Hagel’s goal, briefly reclaiming the NHL scoring lead with 86 points. However, the Rangers’ defense and Quick’s goaltending proved too formidable, with Tampa Bay unable to capitalize on late opportunities to alter the game’s outcome.
As the Rangers look ahead to their next challenge against the Chicago Blackhawks, the team’s unity and resilience continue to be key factors in their recent success. The return of players from injuries and suspensions, such as Trouba, adds depth and strength to the roster, promising an exciting continuation of their season.
The Rangers’ blend of solid defense, strategic offense, and the reliable presence of Quick in goal positions them as formidable contenders as the season progresses, with the team setting their sights on extending their winning streak further.
