The New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 5–3 on Monday night in Sunrise, Florida. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the 2025 Rangers looked a bit like the team of 2024 against the playoff-bound Cats from the Sunshine State, bouncing back from a 3–1 deficit with four unanswered goals.
The Panthers struck first with Sam Reinhart scoring a power-play goal against Jonathan Quick. The Rangers responded, with Matt Rempe finding the back of the net to end the first period knotted at one goal apiece.
Retaking the lead at the start of the second, Panthers’ Carter Verhaeghe netted one, followed by another by Reinhart. The Rangers, finally gaining momentum, were able to end the second tied at three, with goals by Juuso Parssinen and J.T. Miller.
Vincent Trocheck scored what ended up being the game-winning goal short-handed early in the third period in what was his 800th NHL game, helping the Rangers snap a five-game losing streak. With three and a half minutes left in the game, Jonny Brodzinski secured the win for the Blueshirts with a goal assisted by Chris Kreider and Matt Rempe.
The win marked the first time this season that the Rangers won after being down by 2 or more goals.
With the loss, the Panthers are locked into third place in the Atlantic Division and will open the Stanley Cup playoffs on the road.
The Rangers travel back to Madison Square Garden to conclude their season Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
