Rangers End Home Slump with 6-3 Win Over Predators

The New York Rangers finally ended their season-opening home struggles with an exciting 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators on Monday night. After going 0-6-1 in their first seven home games, the Rangers delivered an all-around performance to bring joy back to Madison Square Garden.

Coming off back-to-back shutout losses to the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes, the Rangers were determined to make a statement. From the opening minutes, the team played with energy and discipline. Mika Zibanejad got New York on the board first, setting the tone for the rest of the night.

Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere were the stars of the game. Panarin scored twice, showing his sharp finishing touch, while Lafreniere recorded a goal and two assists — his first three-point performance since March 2024. Their chemistry on the ice gave the Rangers much-needed offensive spark.

Vladislav Gavrikov played a key role in shifting the game’s momentum late in the first period. After Nashville tied the score at 1-1, Gavrikov’s long-range shot, helped by a screen from Lafreniere, slipped past Predators goalie Juuse Saros to restore New York’s lead at 2-1.

The Rangers dominated the second period, scoring three goals to take full control of the match. Lafreniere made it 3-1 with a slick backhand finish on a power play, assisted by Gabriel Perreault. Just minutes later, Panarin extended the lead with a low shot from the right point that beat Saros cleanly. Will Cuylle then capped off the period with a goal in the final seconds to make it 5-1.

Vincent Trocheck made his return to the lineup after missing 14 games due to an upper-body injury. His presence was immediately felt as he contributed two assists, helping stabilize the Rangers’ forward lines. Adam Fox also added two assists, further underlining the team’s improved playmaking.

For the Nashville Predators, the loss marked their fifth straight defeat, extending their poor run to 1-6-2 over the last nine games. Despite the overall team struggles, 20-year-old forward Matthew Wood provided a bright spot with a hat trick, scoring twice on the power play and once in the final minute.

New York goalie Igor Shesterkin had another strong outing, making 27 saves to keep the Predators at bay. Although Nashville outshot the Rangers 30-18, Shesterkin’s calm presence and key saves maintained the home team’s confidence throughout the game.

Nashville’s goaltending situation turned difficult as Juuse Saros allowed five goals on just 12 shots in the first two periods. He was replaced by Justus Annunen, who made five saves but conceded one more goal in the third period.

The Rangers’ offensive depth was evident as six different players contributed to the scoring effort. Apart from Panarin and Lafreniere, Zibanejad, Gavrikov, and Cuylle also found the back of the net. The team’s puck movement and positioning were far sharper compared to their earlier home performances.

With this victory, the Rangers not only snapped their seven-game home winless streak but also displayed a level of confidence that had been missing. The return of key players and the resurgence of top forwards like Panarin and Lafreniere could signal a turning point in their season.

Meanwhile, the Predators must regroup quickly to stop their downward slide. Their defense has struggled to contain high-scoring offenses, and their reliance on young talents like Wood shows both promise and growing pains.

The Rangers’ 6-3 win over the Predators gave fans at Madison Square Garden something to cheer about at last. With Panarin’s leadership, Lafreniere’s creativity, and Shesterkin’s consistency, New York seems ready to put its home struggles behind and build momentum for the rest of the season.