Rangers Extend Winning Streak to Four With 5-2 Win Over Islanders

Lafrenière Leads Rangers’ Offensive Attack

The New York Rangers continued their early season surge Tuesday night, defeating the crosstown rival New York Islanders 5-2 at Madison Square Garden to extend their winning streak to four games. Alexis Lafrenière recorded a hat trick, including two empty net goals late in the third period, and added an assist as the Rangers improved to 3-0 at home.

New York has now won four straight since being shut out by the Boston Bruins in its season opener one week ago. The Rangers’ home start is a significant turnaround from last season, when they dropped their first seven games at Madison Square Garden. Oliver Bjorkstrand also scored twice, while Mika Zibanejad finished with three assists. Igor Shesterkin stopped 17 of 19 shots to earn the victory.

Bjorkstrand Opens Scoring

The Rangers did not register their first shot until 6:40 had elapsed, but they made it count. Bjorkstrand scored on New York’s first shot of the night for his first goal with his new team, giving the Rangers an early lead. Bjorkstrand and Lafrenière also took advantage of an Islanders team playing in front of goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who was making his first NHL appearance in 676 days.

Varlamov was playing for the first time since Nov. 29, 2024, after completing his comeback from double partial knee replacement surgeries. He finished with 19 saves on 22 shots. Lafrenière eventually took over the game, finding the net three times while adding an assist to help the Rangers pull away.

Islanders Get Goals From Horvat and Ritchie

Captain Bo Horvat and young forward Calum Ritchie scored for the Islanders, who were unable to overcome New York’s offensive push. Reigning rookie-of-the-year defenseman Matthew Schaefer was active throughout the night, firing 12 shots and hitting the post twice but failing to find the back of the net.

The Islanders also dealt with an injury scare late in the opening period when forward Simon Holmstrom took a puck to the face off a clearing attempt by Rangers defenseman Sean Durzi. Holmstrom returned to the game in the second period.

Shesterkin Strong in Rangers Net

Shesterkin made 17 saves to secure the win, although his personal point streak came to an end. The Rangers goaltender had recorded an assist Sunday and famously scored a goal Thursday, giving him points in two consecutive games before Tuesday’s matchup. He was held off the scoresheet against the Islanders.

New York also saw the NHL debut of 20-year-old center Cole Beaudoin. The rookie was part of the Rangers’ return in the July 1 trade that sent Vincent Trocheck to Utah and was called up from the minors after Joe Veleno suffered an injury against the Mammoth on Sunday.

Next Games for the Rangers and Islanders

The Islanders will look to bounce back Thursday night when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. The Rangers will take their four-game winning streak on the road Friday night when they visit the Washington Capitals.