Vladimir Tarasenko scores early in Rangers debut on ‘loopy day’
NEW YORK — Vladimir Tarasenko was nonetheless caught within the whirlwind of being traded for the primary time when he put an emphatic stamp on his first sport with the New York Rangers.
The 31-year-old Russian ahead scored early in his New York debut, Kaapo Kakko and Vincent Trocheck every had a objective and an help, and the Rangers beat the Seattle Kraken 6-3 on Friday evening for his or her fourth straight win.
“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced this in my life. It’s my first time getting traded in the NHL, like I spent 11 years in one city,″ Tarasenko said. “The guys give us a really heat welcome. … Crazy day although.”
Tarasenko paid quick dividends in his first game with his new team, converting a pass from fellow Russian Artemi Panarin past Martin Jones just 2:49 into the contest. It was his 11th goal of the season and sent the home crowd into hysterics with many thunderously chanting Tarasenko’s name.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Tarasenko is the second NHL player over the past five seasons to be acquired in a midseason trade and score less than three minutes into his debut with his new team. Dominik Kahun scored 2:16 into his Buffalo Sabres debut on Feb. 28, 2020, after being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Obviously, it is good to attach for a objective,″ Tarasenko stated of receiving the go from Panarin. “We hope more are coming and we play well every game.”
Tarasenko stated it took him abruptly to listen to his identify echoing all through his new residence rink after he scored.
“I was thinking I was mishearing,” he stated. “It’s different because as a visitor you really don’t hear the crowd. This was exciting!”
Rangers coach Gerard Gallant was succinct in his appraisal of Tarasenko, a six-time 30-plus objective scorer.
“He’s excited to play, he’s a great hockey player,” Gallant stated. “He’s going to help our team.”
Only three earlier Rangers have scored throughout the opening three minutes of their debuts: Norm Lowe (1:00 on Feb. 26, 1950), present Islanders coach Lane Lambert (2:28 on Dec. 10, 1986) and Mike Allison (2:44 on Oct. 9, 1980).
Ryan Lindgren additionally had a objective and an help, and Jacob Trouba and Mika Zibanejad additionally scored for the Rangers, who’ve received 5 straight at residence and are 12-3-0 of their previous 15 at Madison Square Garden. Igor Shesterkin had 26 saves to enhance to 13-4-4 in his previous 21 begins.
The Rangers are 19-4-3 since Dec. 5, when their season turned with a 6-4 residence win over the St. Louis Blues, who traded Tarasenko and defenseman Niko Mikkola to New York on Thursday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.