NEW YORK — Chris Kreider netted the decisive power-play goal late in the second period, leading the New York Rangers to a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.
Kreider redirected Mika Zibanejad’s shot with just 2:55 remaining in the middle frame, breaking a 1-1 deadlock that had developed after each team scored in the first period. The Rangers saw contributions from Alexis Lafreniere, Reilly Smith, and Zibanejad, while their goaltender Igor Shesterkin recorded an impressive 31 saves.
The Red Wings managed a goal from Dylan Larkin just two seconds before the end of the first period, following Lafreniere’s initial goal for the Rangers, which came with 8:15 on the clock. Alex Lyon, making his first start of the season for Detroit, stopped 24 shots.
The matchup marked the Red Wings’ first road game of the season. Previously, they secured a 3-0 win against Nashville after a disappointing 6-3 loss to Pittsburgh in their season opener.
In notable moments, forward Patrick Kane of the Red Wings received a warm reception from the Madison Square Garden audience during his first return to the venue since playing 19 games for New York in the latter part of the 2022-23 season. Kane assisted on Larkin’s goal, marking his 814th career assist, which allowed him to surpass Mike Modano for the second-most assists by a U.S.-born player.
Rangers forward Artemi Panarin, who led the team with 120 points last season, contributed with three assists in this game and now holds a team-leading seven points—comprising two goals—through three games this season.
A significant moment in the match occurred when Shesterkin thwarted a close-range attempt from J.T. Compher with just 1:58 left in the second period, maintaining the Rangers’ 2-1 lead. Reilly Smith extended the Rangers’ advantage in the third period at 4:51 with his first goal since joining the team.
In terms of individual achievements, Kreider’s goal marked the 307th of his career, placing him third on the Rangers’ all-time scoring list, behind legends Rod Gilbert and Jean Ratelle. Additionally, it was his 111th power-play goal, which ranks second in franchise history, just shy of Camille Henry’s record of 116.
Looking ahead, the Rangers are set to face off against the Red Wings again on Thursday, completing their home-and-home series.
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