Overview

• The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Rangers 5-1 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, powered by three first-period goals in under two minutes.
• Brayden Point scored twice and added an assist, reaching 41 goals for the season and tying a franchise record for consecutive 40-goal seasons.
• Nikita Kucherov contributed a goal and two assists, tying Nathan MacKinnon for the league scoring lead with 115 points and achieving his third consecutive 80-assist season.
• The Rangers' playoff hopes dim further as they now trail the Montreal Canadiens by six points for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot, with just five games remaining.
• Controversy surrounds Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, who stated he avoids addressing the team immediately after games, a leadership style that has divided fans.