Vladimir Tarasenko scored in his Rangers’ debut, a 6-3 win against the Seattle Kraken on Friday night at MSG.
Tarasenko described that “he tried to take his emotions out of the game and just play with his new teammates”.
“I know [Panarin and Mika Zibanejad] can make a play, so I just tried to be ready,” Tarasenko said. “I think sometimes we try too much. We enjoy playing with each other.
“I was trying to enjoy that moment. Great pass by bread and Vlad was right there,” Zibanejad said of the goal. “Great finish, and to get his first this early into the first game helps out a lot. It was fun.”
Tarasenko became just the third Ranger to score within the opening three minutes of their debuts; the last since, Islanders’ head coach Lane Lambert (1986).
Rangers looked dangerous on Friday night, The Kids were rolling, the stars were stars, and their Vezina Trophy winner continues to deliver wins. For the first time this season, they looked like a team that could deliver New York their first Stanley Cup in 29 years.
Tarasenko echoed that same idea at the media pregame press conference yesterday.
“It’s a chance to win a Cup again,” Tarasenko said.
Head Coach Gerald Gallant was elated by the new acquisition.
“Just from meeting Tarasenko, this morning, he’s really excited and it’s a great way to start his career with the Rangers, scoring on his second shift,” Gallant said. “He’s a great hockey player. He’s going to help our team.”
The Rangers also acquired defenseman Niko Mikkola, who will pair with Brandan Schneider on the third line.
Kappo Kakko, Vincent Trocheck, and Ryan Lindgren each scored a goal and an assist. Chris Kreider had two assists and Shesterkin made 26 saves.
Rangers travel down to Carolina; face off against the leader of the Metro division on Saturday night.
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