Alexis Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad score. Rangers defeat Capitals 4-1 Saturday afternoon.
Chris Kreider led the scoring, with a tip-in from a Panarin rebound. Once again, Panarin assisted on a pass to Lafreniere who lifted the puck over Vanecek’s pads.
“We had many chances and felt it today,” Panarin said. ” It was great to see Alexis score.”
Ryan Strome’s wrist shot from the point late in the second period increased the lead to 3-0. Strome became the first player to reach 100 points with both Islanders and Blueshirts.
“I knew that actually. That was pretty interesting,” Strome said. “I never thought …whenever I got drafted, I think it was almost 10 years ago — that I would have 100 points for the Islanders and Rangers.
“Not the way I thought it would have played out, but happy to be a Ranger.”
Igor Shesterkin won his first game in two weeks since Feb. 4th vs Washington, stopped 26 shots. He has held Washington to three goals in two games this season.
“Whenever the team starts winning and getting on the right track, everyone feels more confident, and so do I,” Shesterkin said.
Mika Zibanejad broke his scoreless streak with a empty net goal that sealed the victory. David Quinn expressed his happiness for Zibanejad.
“If you look at his reaction, you sensed relief, and you look at the reaction from some of the guys on the ice, there was a relief,” Quinn said. “Listen, he’s getting out of it. It’s not going to happen overnight. We just need to continue to see progress and thought that was another step in the right direction today.”
Kappo Kakko was put back into COVID-19 protcool and K’Andre Miller returned to lineup.
Rangers head back to Philadelphia Wednesday.
