It started well enough for the New York Rangers, Monday, but in the end it was all tears as Steven Stamkos struck for a hat trick in a 6-3 win for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Keven Hayes scored twice in the first period to help the Rangers to a 2-1 after the first period.
“They kind of took it to us in the first period,” Stamkos said. “But good teams find a way to calm things down and respond. And I thought that second period was really good and we kept going from there. We’re feeling really good about ourselves right now.”
The Lightning improved to 24-7-1.
Steven Stamkos picked up a hat trick in win Monday night – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Anthony Cirelli struck for two goals, and Ryan McDonagh added a single marker in the win.
“We’ve had to win in different fashions,” McDonagh said. “Comebacks, big leads … it was a special teams game here early tonight. Nothing seems to phase us right now.”
Louie Domingue made 23 saves to get the win.
Jesper Fast also scored for the Rangers.
“I thought we were doing a really good job in the third period,” New York coach David Quinn said. “We had some zone time, had some chances and boom, a turnover in the neutral zone and it’s 4-2 and before you know it it’s 5-2.”
New York dropped to 14-13-1.
[WATCH: All Rangers vs. Lightning highlights]
Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves in the loss.
“To be able to beat some of the best teams, you have to play really strict and smart,” Lundqvist said. “You have to make the right decision with or without the puck.”
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