Rangers outsmart Red Wings: Kreider’s pivotal goal propels 4-1 triumph

Chris Kreider showcased his scoring prowess on Monday night, netting the decisive goal on the power play late in the second period to see the New York Rangers secure a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Kreider expertly deflected Mika Zibanejad’s shot with a mere 2:55 remaining in the second period, breaking a 1-1 stalemate that had persisted since both teams exchanged goals in the first period.

Rangers’ Squad Shines: Lafreniere, Smith, and Zibanejad Join Goal-Scoring Party

Alexis Lafreniere, Reilly Smith, and Zibanejad each found the back of the net for the Rangers, while goaltender Igor Shesterkin put on a show with 31 saves. Dylan Larkin was the lone scorer for Detroit, finding the net with just two seconds left in the first period, responding to Lafreniere’s opener for the Rangers with 8:15 remaining. Detroit’s goaltender Alex Lyon, playing his first start of the season, managed 24 saves.

Red Wings’ Rocky Road Start

The outing marked the Red Wings’ first road game following a 3-0 victory over Nashville on Saturday and a 6-3 defeat to Pittsburgh in their season opener.

Notable Performances and Moments

Red Wings’ forward Patrick Kane, who had a 19-game stint with New York following a high-profile trade in the 2022-23 season, received a warm welcome from the Madison Square Garden audience during his first game back with Detroit. Kane’s assist on Larkin’s goal marked his 814th career assist, surpassing Mike Modano to become the second-highest among U.S.-born players.

Rangers’ forward Artemi Panarin, who topped the team with 120 points last season, contributed three assists, taking his current season tally to a team-high seven points, including two goals, in just three games.

Shesterkin’s Crucial Save and Kreider’s Record

With 1:58 left in the second period, Shesterkin made a crucial save, denying Detroit’s J.T. Compher from close range to maintain the Rangers’ 2-1 lead. Smith extended the lead at 4:51 of the third period, scoring his first goal with the Rangers.

Kreider’s goal marked the 307th of his career, placing him third in Rangers history behind Rod Gilbert and Jean Ratelle. It was also his 111th power-play goal, the second-highest in franchise history, trailing only Camille Henry’s 116.

The Rangers are set to visit Detroit on Thursday to wrap up a home-and-home series.