NEW YORK (AP) — Adam Sykora broke a scoreless tie early in the third period and Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves as the New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Sunday.
Sykora, a rookie selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, scored his second goal of the season at 5:10, tipping a shot from Adam Fox past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Conor Sheary extended the Rangers’ lead with his fifth goal of the season – a short-handed breakaway – at 11:14. Adam Fox added an empty-netter at 16:06.
Florida’s Mackie Samoskevich scored with 40.2 seconds remaining to end Shesterkin’s shutout bid.
A potential Rangers goal late in the second period, a shot from Mika Zibanejad with 1:35 left, skittered along the goal line but was cleared by Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling.
Earlier in the third period, a goal by Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk at 3:22 was disallowed after a Rangers challenge revealed the play was offside.
The Panthers were coming off a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday, a game in which Tkachuk scored both of Florida’s goals.
Florida will host Ottawa on Tuesday. The Rangers will host New Jersey on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the game between the Rangers and the Panthers?
The New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1. Adam Sykora scored the game-winning goal, and Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves for the Rangers.
Who scored for the Florida Panthers?
Mackie Samoskevich scored the lone goal for the Florida Panthers with 40.2 seconds left in the game.
What is next for the Rangers and the Panthers?
The Panthers will host Ottawa on Tuesday, and the Rangers will host New Jersey on Tuesday.
How might the Rangers’ recent performance influence their strategy moving forward?