Tarasenko delivers early in Rangers debut
Vladimir Tarasenko was still caught in the whirlwind of being traded for the first time when he put an emphatic stamp on his first game with the New York Rangers.
The 31-year-old Russian forward scored early in his New York debut, Kaapo Kakko and Vincent Trocheck each had a goal and an assist, and the Rangers beat the Seattle Kraken 6-3 on Friday night for their fourth straight win.
“I don't think I've ever experienced this in my life. It's my first time getting traded in the NHL, like I spent 11 years in one city,” Tarasenko said. “The guys give us a very warm welcome ... Crazy day though.”
Tarasenko paid quick dividends in his first game with his new team, converting a pass from fellow Russian Artemi Panarin past Jones just 2:49 into the contest. It was his 11th goal of the season and sent the home crowd into hysterics with many thunderously chanting Tarasenko's name.
“Obviously it's nice to connect for a goal,” Tarasenko said of receiving the pass from Panarin. “We hope more are coming and we play well every game.”
Ryan Lindgren also had a goal and an assist, and Jacob Trouba and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers, who have won five straight at home and are 123-0 in their last 15 at Madison Square Garden. MAPLE LEAFS 3, BLUE JACKETS 0 » John Tavares scored twice and Ilya Samsonov stopped 30 shots for his third shutout of the season as Toronto snapped a threegame road losing streak.
Pierre Engvall also scored and Mitch Marner added two assists for the Maple Leafs, and Joonas Korpisalo had 41 saves for last-place Columbus. BLACKHAWKS 4, COYOTES 3, OT » Caleb Jones scored 3:37 into overtime as Chicago
topped Arizona.
Andreas Athanasiou had a goal and two assists as Chicago rallied for the win in a matchup of two of the NHL's worst teams.