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Alexis Lafreniere scores twice as Rangers beat Lightning 4-1

The New York Rangers continued their strong start to the 2026-27 season with a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden, marking their second win against the Bolts in under two weeks. Alexis Lafreniere led the charge with two goals, further cementing his breakout season and earning NHL recognition as the league’s Third Star of the Week.

The Rangers’ forward line has shown remarkable consistency, with Lafreniere’s production drawing national attention and solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the team’s offense. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s goaltending depth was tested as the Lightning recalled Mads Sogaard from the Syracuse Crunch ahead of the matchup, though the effort fell short against New York’s early-season momentum.

The Rangers, now riding a perfect 4-0-0 home record, have turned the page on last season’s struggles at Madison Square Garden, even without the services of injured starter Igor Shesterkin. Dylan Garand, the Rangers’ backup goalie, faced his first major test as a starter and held strong in the win, adding another layer of stability behind the crease.

The Lightning, meanwhile, look to bounce back from their loss while maintaining their four-game winning streak in the early going.

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