Goalkeeper Igor Shestjorkin was once again crucial for the Rangers on their way to a 3-2 victory. The 26-year-old Russian was only beaten once after three minutes after the visitors from Florida had taken the lead and made a total of 29 saves. Tampa Bay’s 58th-minute goal came too late after Rangers turned the deficit in the first period to lead 3-1 early in the third period.
This ended an impressive series for the defending champion and Stanley Cup winner of the last two seasons: Up to this defeat in Madison Square Garden, coach Jon Cooper’s team had always had one since the 2020 playoffs and a total of 17 games to a lost playoff game let victory follow.
On Sunday evening, the Lightning will have the opportunity to react to the two defeats away from home for the first time in their own stadium.
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