Alexis Lafrenière Nets First Goal of the Season in Rangers’ Solid Win

PITTSBURGH – Alexis Lafrenière kicked off the Rangers’ 2025-26 season in triumphant fashion, scoring the team’s first goal in a decisive 4-0 victory against the Buffalo Sabres.

Key Moments from the Game

Lafrenière’s pivotal goal came just under 12 minutes into the first period. He capitalized on a rebound from Artemi Panarin’s shot, maneuvering through traffic to push the puck past Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon.

“It was good to get one early in the game,” Lafrenière remarked after the match. “I saw Bread [Panarin] going up ice and just tried to get in front. I got a good bounce, so it was good to get one.”

This marked goal No. 93 in Lafrenière’s career, placing him in a tie with Alex Kovalev for the fourth-most goals scored by a Ranger before turning 24. Impressively, in the 85 regular-season games in which Lafrenière has scored, the Rangers have maintained a robust record of 69 wins, 11 losses, and 5 overtime losses.

Strong Offensive Line

The combination of Lafrenière, Panarin, and Vincent Trocheck demonstrated marked improvement from their performance in the first game of the season. However, the game took a turn when Trocheck exited in the second period due to an upper-body injury and was unable to return.

Potential Line Changes

Should Trocheck require an extended absence, the Rangers have a couple of viable options to fill his position:

• Juuso Parssinen: Signed to a two-year deal during the offseason, he may step into Trocheck’s role.

• Jonny Brodzinski: Known for his versatility, Brodzinski can also play on the wing, offering head coach Mike Sullivan additional lineup flexibility.

“It’ll depend on how Sullivan wants to rearrange his top six without Trocheck,” analysts suggest.

Strong Special Teams Performance

The Rangers showcased a formidable penalty kill to start the season, successfully shutting down all five Sabres power plays. Notably, the Rangers’ away games have featured one of the NHL’s best penalty kill percentages, holding strong at 82.1% since the 2023-24 season.

Upcoming Challenges

The Rangers are gearing up for an important matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, scheduled for Saturday. This will mark the beginning of the Rangers’ 12 back-to-back sets this season, a challenge that will test their depth and resilience.

Noteworthy Individual Performances

J.T. Miller has been on a scoring spree since rejoining the Rangers on February 1, 2025. He currently leads the team with 13 multipoint games, tying for the second most in the NHL during this period.

For fans eager to stay updated on Rangers news and insights, Larry Brooks’ Inside the Rangers offers expert commentary and analysis throughout the season.

In conclusion, with Alexis Lafrenière setting the tone for the season and a supportive lineup, the Rangers appear poised for a promising campaign. Keep an eye on upcoming games and roster changes as the season unfolds!