Rangers’ Lafreniere nets two goals in thrilling 4-3 victory over Blue Jackets

The New York Rangers managed to tie the score 3-3 with only 11 seconds left in the game, thanks to Alexis Lafreniere, who then went on to score the only goal in the shootout. This allowed the Rangers to secure a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night.

The Metropolitan Division-leading Rangers have been on a hot streak, going 9-0-1 in their last 10 games. Chris Kreider had a goal and an assist, while Artemi Panarin extended his season-opening point streak to 14 games. Jonathan Quick made 26 saves for the Rangers.

For the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets, Justin Danforth, Adam Fantilli, and Sean Kuraly were the goal scorers, but it wasn’t enough to end their five-game losing streak. Elvis Merzlikins made 37 saves for Columbus.

New York’s victory was especially sweet for Lafreniere, who was able to score the tying goal in the final moments of the game. This tied the contest 3-3 and sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.

The game saw back-and-forth action, with Lafreniere initially giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead in the second period before two quick goals from Columbus put them in front. Kreider and Fantilli were the goal scorers in the first period, while Kuraly put the visitors ahead in the second. There was also a disallowed goal for the Rangers after a lengthy review by the referees.

Next, the Blue Jackets will host Pittsburgh, while the Rangers will face the New Jersey Devils. Quick returned to the net for the Rangers after missing the previous game while Shesterkin continued to sit out with minor soreness.

The game was a significant win for the Rangers, as they continue to dominate the Metropolitan Division and show no signs of slowing down.