Recap of Lightning vs. Rangers Game
The Lightning fell short in their final regular-season game against the Rangers, failing to score any goals on goalie Igor Shesterkin in a 4-0 loss. Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and Chris Kreider all found the back of the net for the Rangers, who will not be advancing to the playoffs this year. The Lightning will now prepare to face off against the Florida Panthers in the first game of the playoff series next week.
Vincent Trocheck scored his 26th goal of the season, including his sixth shorthanded goal, early in the second period. The Rangers have been dominant in shorthanded goals this season, leading the NHL with 18.
Chris Kreider added another goal at 4:02 of the third period, with Zibanejad scoring twice later in the period. Shesterkin’s shutout marked his sixth of the season, despite ending with a disappointing record of 27-29-5.
The Lightning, who have secured a spot in the playoffs, finished the regular season with 102 points from 47 wins. Goalie Jonas Johansson made 18 saves out of the 22 shots he faced.
Key Highlights
Jake Guentzel played his 600th career NHL game, showcasing his talent with 41 goals and 39 assists in his first season with the Lightning.
Notable Moment
In a touching tribute, every Ranger player wore a blue No. 40 jersey with “Rosen” on the back during warmups to honor legendary broadcaster Sam Rosen. Rosen, who served as the team’s play-by-play voice for 40 years, called his final game. The jerseys also featured a patch with Rosen’s iconic phrase, “It’s a Power Play Goal!”
Interesting Statistic
Tampa Bay continues to be a force in the NHL, making their eighth consecutive postseason appearance. Since 2014-15, they have played 146 playoff games and secured 87 wins. The Lightning claimed back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, reaching the Final in 2022.
BY ALLAN KREDA
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Conclusion
Despite the loss, the Lightning remain a formidable team as they head into the playoffs, showcasing their resilience and determination. Fans can expect an exciting playoff series ahead as the Lightning face off against the Florida Panthers.
FAQs
Q: Will the Lightning bounce back in the playoffs?
A: The Lightning have a history of strong playoff performances, and they will undoubtedly bring their A-game as they strive for another deep postseason run.
Q: Who were the standout players in the game against the Rangers?
A: Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider were instrumental in securing the win for the Rangers, showcasing their skill and goal-scoring ability.
