NYR TBL The New York Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1 on Wednesday night, with Jimmy Vesey scoring two goals. The Blueshirts extend their win streak to three and end the Lightings win streak of the same total. The first period was mundane. Heavy checks petered out as neutral zone play took over. Adam Fox and Nikita Kucherov both hit posts. Jimmy Vesey scored the game's first goal 1:35 into the second period on a backhand shot streaking down the wing. At 13:00, Alexis Lafreniere reverse-checked Mikhael Sergachev, who was injured on the play. A stretcher ushered him off the ice. Jonny Brodzinski scored to take a 2-0 lead 17:46 into the second period. It was his third goal of the season, the assists from Blake Wheeler and Chris Kreider. The Rangers only allowed four shots on goal in the frame, one of the team's better defensive efforts this season. Brandon Hagel cut the lead 5:29 into the third period, making the score 2-1. Erik Cernak found Hagel open in the slot, receiving the puck on his backhand and shelving it top left on Quick. The Rankers killed off the Lightning's only power play of the contest, and Jimmy Vesey scored an empty net goal to seal the 3-1 victory. NEXT UP: The Rangers play at the United Center on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Lines: Kreider-Zibanejad-Wheeler Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere Cuylle-Brodzinski-Kakko Vesey-Goodrow-Pitlick Miller-Trouba Lindgren-Fox Gustafsson-Schneider Quick Shesterkin TOP STORIES:
