NEW YORK — Alexis Lafrenière became the hero in overtime, leading the New York Rangers to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Lafrenière’s wrist shot 1:53 into overtime, set up by Mika Zibanejad and an adventurous play by goaltender Jonathan Quick, capped a resilient comeback by the Rangers.
Quick, who nearly turned the puck over before aiding in the game-winning rush, made light of his decision to skate out far from the net, attributing the successful outcome to a bit of luck after his initial hesitation. He finished the night with 31 saves, contributing significantly to the Rangers’ win.
The game saw Artemi Panarin tie the score in the third period, setting the stage for Lafrenière’s overtime heroics. This victory marked a positive start post-break for the Rangers, building momentum from their last win against the Ottawa Senators.
Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon continued his impressive streak, scoring in the first period and extending his point streak to 14 games. Despite his efforts, the Avalanche couldn’t capitalize on early power play opportunities, something coach Jared Bednar acknowledged could have changed the game’s outcome.
The Avalanche, led by goaltender Alexandar Georgiev’s 27 saves, faced a relentless Rangers squad that gradually found their stride as the game progressed. Coach Peter Laviolette praised his team’s ability to adjust to the Avalanche’s speed, especially after MacKinnon’s opening goal highlighted the need for strategic changes.
Despite trailing early and facing a formidable opponent, the Rangers’ persistence paid off, with Panarin’s tying goal in the third period breathing new life into their game. This set the scene for Lafrenière’s overtime winner, which sent the Garden crowd into a frenzy.
The Avalanche, despite a strong start and a standout performance from MacKinnon, will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly in power play situations. Meanwhile, the Rangers look to build on this win, leveraging the confidence gained from a successful comeback and an exhilarating finish.
As the NHL season progresses, both teams will aim to capitalize on their strengths while addressing areas of improvement highlighted in this closely contested matchup. For the Rangers, Lafrenière’s clutch performance in overtime is a reminder of their depth and resilience, qualities that will be crucial in their pursuit of success this season.
