Tye Kartye’s Multi-Goal Night Leads Rangers Past Lightning in Regular Season Finale
Tye Kartye’s Multi-Goal Night Leads Rangers Past Lightning in Regular Season Finale
The New York Rangers ended their regular season on a high note, snapping a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. The star of the night was Tye Kartye, who recorded his first career multi-goal game and added an assist for a three-point performance. Kartye opened the scoring just four minutes into the first period and doubled the lead early in the second, capitalizing on a fortunate bounce off the end wall. The Rangers’ depth was the story of the game, as young forward Gabe Perreault also found the scoresheet, while Mika Zibanejad hammered home a power-play goal to secure the win.
In net, the Rangers turned to Dylan Garand, who was making his first start since late March. Garand was sensational, turning aside 29 of 31 shots to frustrate a Lightning offense that, while resting several stars, still featured dangerous veterans like Corey Perry. Perry managed to cut the lead to two in the third period with a spinning backhand shot, but Garand stood tall during a late Tampa Bay power play to preserve the lead. The Rangers finish their season with a 34-39-9 record, and while they missed the postseason, this victory provided a much-needed positive end to a challenging campaign.
Special Teams and Zibanejad’s Leadership
A major key to the Rangers' victory was their special teams. Mika Zibanejad continued his season-long excellence, tallying his 34th goal of the year on the man advantage. Zibanejad, who led the team with 76 points this season, orchestrated a power play that moved the puck with precision, eventually finding Alexis Lafreniere and J.T. Miller for the setup. The Rangers' penalty kill was equally impressive, holding the Lightning to 0-for-3 on the night. Tampa Bay has struggled recently in this department, managing only one power-play goal in their last 11 contests.
Zibanejad’s leadership has been a constant for a Rangers squad that underwent several roster shifts throughout the year. His ability to produce on both ends of the ice remained evident on Wednesday, as he played nearly 20 minutes and dominated the faceoff circle. For a team looking toward a critical offseason, Zibanejad remains the foundational piece they hope to build around.
Lightning Prepare for Playoffs Despite Loss
The Tampa Bay Lightning entered the game with their playoff seeding already locked in. Finishing with 106 points (50-26-6), the Lightning opted to rest several key players, including captain Steven Stamkos and scoring leader Nikita Kucherov. Despite the experimental lineup, Oliver Bjorkstrand remained a bright spot, scoring in the second period to briefly bring Tampa within two goals. Corey Perry’s 17th goal of the season in the third period showcased the veteran grit that the Lightning will rely on as they head into a first-round matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
Goaltender Brandon Halverson made 17 saves in the loss, as the Lightning defense struggled to contain Kartye’s speed on the wing. However, the focus in the Tampa Bay locker room is firmly on the postseason. Head coach Jon Cooper emphasized that the finale was an opportunity to get minutes for returning players like Max Crozier, who had missed 26 games due to injury. The Lightning remain a formidable threat in the Eastern Conference, seeking to add another banner to their already storied rafters.
Season Stats and Roster Outlook
As the regular season concludes, the Rangers look to the future with Gabe Perreault and Tye Kartye establishing themselves as everyday NHLers. Kartye finishes the year with 8 goals and 15 points, while Perreault’s 12th goal on Wednesday capped an impressive rookie showing. On the other side, the Lightning head to the playoffs with a top-ten offense and a rested core. Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to return to the crease for Game 1, carrying a 2.50 GAA and .912 SV% into the dance. While the Rangers head home, the Lightning’s journey is just beginning.
