Lafrenière scored his second NHL goal, Panarin had two assists and the Rangers made the best of a new-look lineup.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alexis Lafrenière got a chance to play on the New York Rangers‘ top line with Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, and the result was one of the team’s most complete efforts of the season. Lafrenière scored his second NHL goal, Panarin had two assists and the Rangers made the best of a new-look lineup, beating the Washington Capitals 4-1 Saturday for their second consecutive victory. “We felt great today, had many chances,” Panarin said through an interpreter. “Obviously we felt it today, and it was great to see Alexis score.” Lafrenière, the top pick in the 2020 draft, cashed in on his promotion by scoring for the first time in eight games. Panarin set up Lafrenière on the doorstep late in the second period, and his shot provided the rebound for Chris Kreider’s power-play goal in the first. “Goal-scorers thrive off confidence, and usually when one goes in it starts a little bit of a snowball effect, so we certainly hope that happens for Alexis,” coach David Quinn said. “He continues to improve, come to the rink with a great attitude and work hard, and as long as he continues to do that, good things are going to happen for him.” With a goal and an assist, Ryan Strome made history as the first player to record 100 points apiece with the Rangers and Islanders. The fifth overall pick of the Islanders in 2011, Strome never saw himself hitting this particular milestone.
