Rangers are struck down by the Lightning at The Garden

After a strong performance in Boston, another letdown at home.

New York, NY- The New York Rangers returned to Madison Square Garden after a successful two-game road trip and a three-game winning streak with victories over the Blues, Hurricanes, and the Bruins. They had another afternoon tilt this time against the Atlantic Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning. This time, the Rangers couldn’t stop them as they fell to the Western Florida side by a final score of four to one.

Just stayed onside and scored

The Rangers tried to start a rush when the puck was sent toward Miuka Zibanejad at the near boards, but Brandon Hagel intercepted the puck and put it back inside the zone. Nikita Kucherov was inside the near point with the puck, saw Darren Raddysh entering, and gave him the puck. Hagel was at the high slot and snapped a quick wrist shot that beat Shesterkin through a screen at 10:53 of the first period.

Hagel does it again

The Lightning regained control of the puck inside their own end. Raddysh quickly gives it to Kucherov, then he springs Hagel into a breakaway chance. Hagel skated in on Igor Shesterkin, tried to stuff it, but the save was made. Unfortunately, Shesterkin left a rebound, and Hagel took the puck, chipped it over a sprawling Shesterkin, and scored his second of the game at 8:57 of the second period

The Captain pulls on back

The Rangers kept skating and were looking to get on the scoreboard. It finally happened when Zibanejad gave the puck to Adam Fox. Fox skated down the near side, made a long crossice diagonal pass to J.T. Miller camped out inside the crease and near the far post. The puck deflected off the right skate of Miller and into the net at 17:31 of the second period.

An early goal leads to another home loss

Early in the third period, the Rangers were beaten again and found themselves with a two-goal deficit once more. Nick Paul entered the zone, left it for Charle-Edouard D’Astous at the near point. Made the pass down low to Kucherov, who saw Paul in front of Shesterkin. The quick pass to Paul, and he deflects the puck past Shesterkin at 2:02 of the third period.

Jinxed at the Garden

Jake Guentzel got the empty net goal at 19:42 of the third period, and the Rangers once again have lost at home on Garden Ice. They continue to be vexed at the World’s Most Famous Arena, as they have played elven games and have only won two of them. This season is very confusing, as they continue to be dominant on the road, losing only four and one shootout loss while winning the majority of their games.

Pathetic shots on goal totals

In this game against the Lightning, the Rangers only found the net 13 times. Missing the cage more than many can count, and not making backup goalie Jonas Johansson work. While the Lightning are a very good team, the Rangers should’ve made Johansson’s afternoon a lot harder than it should’ve been. One goal and a lot of missed chances. They must be better in the next game.

J.T. MILLER: Scored his seventh goal of the season and extended his point streak to four-straight games against the Lightning. He has collected five points in his last five games (3G-2A) and is tied for the third most goals (7) on the Rangers.

ADAM FOX: Extended his assist streak to six-straight games, tied for the second longest active streak among all NHL skaters. He has recorded 10 assists in his last six games and became the first Rangers defenseman to do so since he last did so in 2021 (Mar. 25-Apr. 3).

MIKA ZIBANEJAD: Notched an assist on Miller’s goal for his 19th point of the season and extended his point streak to three-straight games (2G-2A). He has seven points (2G-5A) in his last six games.

New York Rangers News:

• Rangers Beat Bruins on Black & Blue Friday
• Rangers Downgraded the Hurricanes, On a Two Game Winning Streak
• Rangers Break Four Game Losing Streak, Beat the Blues

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