The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Rangers 4-1 on Saturday afternoon, completing a back-to-back road sweep with one of their strongest performances of the season. Tampa Bay controlled possession and limited New York to just five shots on goal. Brandon Hagel scored twice to lead the Lightning's attack.
The Lightning showcased a complete game in all three zones, winning puck battles and avoiding turnovers to maintain puck possession throughout the matchup at Madison Square Garden. In the first period, Tampa Bay held New York to two shots on goal and 10 shot attempts, with Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin making 10 saves, including several on high-danger chances. The Lightning broke through at 10:53 when Brandon Hagel's shot from the left hashmarks deflected off Carson Soucy's skate and into the net for a 1-0 lead.
The second period saw Tampa Bay create multiple Grade-A opportunities, extending their advantage nearly nine minutes in. Shesterkin stopped Hagel's breakaway, but Hagel chipped in the rebound from the side of the net to make it 2-0. New York responded late in the frame at 17:31, as J.T. Miller's goal came off a deflection from Adam Fox's centering pass hitting Miller's skate.
A power play carried into the third period after Shesterkin's interference penalty, but Tampa Bay converted shortly after at 2:02. Nikita Kucherov fed Nick Paul in front, and Paul lifted the puck top-shelf for a 3-1 lead. The Lightning dominated possession in the third, pinning the Rangers in their zone and allowing just one additional shot after New York's power play. Jake Guentzel sealed the 4-1 victory with an empty-net goal at 19:42.
Lightning Radio Three Stars: Brandon Hagel (two goals), Nikita Kucherov (three assists), and Darren Raddysh (three assists). The win extends Tampa Bay's streak to seven games as they head to face the Islanders next.