Sasha Barkov assisted on both of Sam Reinhart's goals, including a highlight reel assist you have to see to believe
Sasha Barkov assisted on both of Sam Reinhart's goals, including a highlight reel assist you have to see to believe
What was billed as a matchup between two of the top Stanley Cup contenders in the Eastern Conference did not disappoint.
The Florida Panthers came into Madison Square Garden looking for their first win in New York City in nearly five years, and Paul Maurice’s squad delivered yet again.
Led by the top line, Florida flexed their collective muscles on Monday night, defeating the high-flying New York Rangers by a final score of 4-1.
The heavyweight matchup lived up to the billing right out of the gate as both teams generated opportunities and imposed their will at times during the opening period.
The Rangers were given a pair of power plays, cashing in on the second one that came after Kevin Stenlund was called for holding despite having on hand on his stick and the other hand in the air, with the official standing just a few feet away.
Fortunately for the Panthers, things would even out both in terms of power plays and goals.
Florida finally cashed in after three straight Rangers penalties, and it was Sam Reinhart picking up another goal while on the man advantage.
Reinhart deposited the puck in a yawning cage thanks to an unbelievable puck-handing effort and pass across the slot by Florida captain Sasha Barkov.
Less than three minutes later, the duo teamed up for another slick passing play deep in New York’s end of the ice.
Again, it was Reinhart scoring off a Barkov primary assist, and this time it gave Florida its first lead of the game.
The power play see-saw swing back in the Rangers favor when Anton Lundell was called for a high-sticking double minor a mere 59 seconds after Reinhart’s goal.
Chris Kreider, New York’s version of Reinhart on the power play, jumped on a juicy rebound at the top of the crease and outwaited a sprawling Sergei Bobrovsky to tie the game at two.
Monday night’s game-winning goal came off the stick of Ryan Lomberg about six minutes into the final frame.
Lomberg’s shot went off the skate of Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba and past Shesterkin’s glove to put the Panthers up for good.
All that was left was a little redemption for Lundell.
He cashed in with the Rangers net empty to cement Florida’s first win at Madison Square Garden since 2019.
On to Jersey.
Here are some thoughts and observations from Monday’s matchup at The Garden:
Reinhart is heating up again. After going seven games with no goals and four points, he’s logged five goals and six points over his past three outings.
Over those same three games, Barkov has two goals and seven points.
Make it five straight games with an assist for Carter Verhaeghe. He’s up to a career-high 33 on the season.
Lomberg’s goal was his fifth on the season. It was also the fourth game-winning goal of his career and second in less than a month (he had the GWG against Washington on Feb. 8).
Lundell is now up to five goals and nine points over his past ten games.
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