Rangers Edge Devils in Penalty Shootout at Madison Square Garden

The New York Rangers extended their winning streak to five games with a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. The Metropolitan Division rivals treated fans to an entertaining back-and-forth affair that required overtime and a shootout to decide the winner.

Chris Kreider led the Rangers' offense with two goals, including the game-tying score with just 1:47 remaining in regulation. The veteran winger has been on fire lately, recording 12 points in his last eight games and establishing himself as a key veteran leader for the young Rangers squad. "These division games are always intense," Kreider said post-game. "We know every point matters at this stage of the season."

The Devils jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period behind goals from Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Hughes, who has emerged as one of the NHL's elite young centers, showcased his elite playmaking ability by setting up Bratt's goal with a no-look pass that left Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin scrambling. New Jersey appeared to be controlling the tempo through the first two periods.

However, the Rangers stormed back in the third period with three unanswered goals. Alexis Lafrenière scored his 25th goal of the season to cut the deficit in half, followed by Kreider's equalizer and what appeared to be the game-winner from Artemi Panarin. But Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton scored with 34 seconds left to force overtime, silencing the Madison Square Garden crowd.

In the penalty shootout, Rangers captain Jacob Trouba made the deciding save on Nico Hischier's attempt, while Panarin scored the clinching goal for New York. The victory moves the Rangers to 38-14-6 on the season, maintaining their position near the top of the Eastern Conference. For the Devils, the loss was disappointing but they earned a crucial point in their playoff chase.

Both teams will face each other again this weekend in New Jersey, setting up what promises to be another intense Metropolitan Division battle. The Rangers' penalty kill was particularly impressive, going 4-for-4 against a Devils power play that ranks among the NHL's best.