The New York Rangers lost 2-1 in the shootout to the Tampa Bay Lighting on Thursday evening. Rangers third-year player Alexis Lafreniere was scratched for the first time this season by Gerald Gallant.
According to Larry Brooks at practice Wednesday afternoon, Gallant hinted that a move could be in the cards.
Gallant might be looking for a simple spark such as his handling of Vitali Kravtsov throughout the season.
“Obviously the goaltending was … two world-class goalies, the two best in the world probably,” New York coach Gerard Gallant said. “They were outstanding. It was a good hockey game with a lot of chances generated both ways. Tough to lose in a shootout like that, but I thought we played great.”
Igor Shesterkin made 39 saves. Mike Zibanajed gave New York the lead in the First Period.
According to NHL.com Zibanejad has nine goals in nine regular-season games against Vasilevskiy.
Rangers play in South Florida New Years’ Day.
