NEW DELHI: The New York Rangers claimed a 3-1 victory over the slumping Calgary Flames on Tuesday, with Erik Gustafsson, Alexis Lafreniere, and Chris Kreider each scoring a goal. Goalie Igor Shesterkin played a pivotal role in the win, making 24 saves after surrendering an early goal.
The Flames opened the scoring just over a minute into the game with Blake Coleman netting a goal. However, the Rangers turned the tide with a trio of second-period goals. Alexis Lafreniere's power-play goal at 7:38 of the second period tied the game. Lafreniere deflected Gustafsson's point shot for his third goal of the season.
Chris Kreider added another power-play goal for the Rangers at 14:09 of the period, giving them the lead. Kreider redirected a pass for his fifth goal of the season. Erik Gustafsson scored his second goal of the season at 16:53 of the middle frame, extending the Rangers' lead to 3-1. Gustafsson capitalized on a puck that trickled through Calgary's goalie Jacob Markstrom.
Despite their early lead, the Flames couldn't respond to the Rangers' offensive surge. The loss marked the Flames' third consecutive defeat, and they were left to lament an opportunity for an early lead that slipped away.
Furthermore, forward Adam Ruzicka left the game late in the first period after taking a hard hit from Jimmy Vesey, a play that sparked controversy and left the Flames arguing for a penalty call.
(With Reuters inputs)
