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Lafrenière Hat Trick Fuels Rangers Past Islanders
7 Oct
Summary
- Alexis Lafrenière scored three goals and added an assist for the Rangers.
- The Rangers secured their fourth consecutive win against the Islanders.
- Oliver Bjorkstrand scored two goals in his new team's victory.
Alexis Lafrenière ignited the New York Rangers with a hat trick, including two empty-net goals, and an assist, leading them to a dominant 5-2 victory over the Islanders on Tuesday night. This win marks the Rangers' fourth consecutive victory and extends their unbeaten run since their season opener. Oliver Bjorkstrand, in his first season with the team, scored twice, while Mika Zibanejad provided three assists. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin made 17 saves for the win.
The Rangers' offense struck early, with Bjorkstrand scoring on their first shot of the game. This was notably in Semyon Varlamov's first appearance for the Islanders in 676 days, following double knee replacement surgeries. Despite Varlamov's return, he allowed three goals on 22 shots. For the Islanders, captain Bo Horvat and forward Calum Ritchie found the back of the net. Matthew Schaefer made his presence known with 12 shot attempts, hitting the post twice.
In other team news, forward Simon Holmstrom returned to play after taking a puck to the face. Cole Beaudoin, a 20-year-old center, made his NHL debut for the Rangers, called up from the minors following an injury to Joe Veleno. The Islanders are scheduled to host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night, while the Rangers will visit the Washington Capitals on Friday.
