Girgensons gūst vārtus spēlē pret Rangers, kurā uzvaru izcīna New York

Zemgus Girgensons scored the only goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the New York Rangers secured a 4–1 victory at Madison Square Garden, sportacentrs.com reported.

Girgensons Strikes Late in First Period

The visiting Lightning fell behind early before the Latvian forward broke through in the closing minutes of the opening frame. Girgensons trimmed the deficit to 1–2 with 2 minutes and 34 seconds remaining in the first period, converting off feeds from Pontus Holmberg and Victor Hedman. Operating on a line between Ilya Mikheyev and Pontus Holmberg, Girgensons logged 15 minutes and 2 seconds across 19 shifts. He contributed two shots on goal, two hits, won five of 11 faceoffs for 45.5%, and finished the night with a +1 rating without spending time in the penalty box.

Defensive Shift and Turnover for Šmits

On the opposing blue line, fellow Latvian Alberts Šmits endured a difficult night for the Rangers after logging significantly heavier minutes in previous outings. Šmits played 11 minutes and 55 seconds across 13 shifts, all at even strength, skating alongside Braden Schneider on the third defensive pairing. The turning point of his evening arrived on Tampa Bay’s lone goal when Šmits pushed too deep into the offensive zone, leaving the Rangers exposed on a two-on-one rush that Girgensons converted. Šmits finished without points, shots, or penalty minutes, charged with two giveaways and a −1 rating.

Roster Upheaval and Standings Context

The victory comes during a turbulent stretch for New York’s crease. With backup Joonas Korpisalo sidelined for at least a month with a lower-body injury, the Rangers turned to the 24-year-old Garand, recalled from the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack.

Remaining Questions in the Eastern Conference

The Rangers face mounting pressure to stabilize their goaltending rotation following Shesterkin’s season-ending absence while protecting a home record that has seen them win five straight at Madison Square Garden.