VIN A. CHERWOO

AP Sports Writer

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) and New York Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo (4) bump fists after an NHL hockey game against Washington Capitals in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Sorokin gives up Ovechkin’s 895th goal, the 1st he’s allowed to his fellow Russian

Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin had not given up a goal to Alex Ovechkin in the first three games he played against the Washington Capitals superstar.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring his 895th career goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Ovechkin gets No. 895 to break NHL scoring record, but Islanders beat Capitals 4-1

Alex Ovechkin scored his record-breaking 895th career goal, but the New York Islanders beat the Washington Capitals 4-1.

Washington Capitals' Tom Wilson (43) scores a goal as New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) defends during the overtime period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Ovechkin gets No. 885, Wilson scores in OT as Capitals beat Rangers 3-2

Alex Ovechkin got his 885th career goal to tie it midway through the third period, Tom Wilson scored 4:07 into overtime and the Washington Capitals rallied to beat the New York Rangers 3-2.

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) skates during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Alex Ovechkin gets 885th career goal to move nine away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record

Alex Ovechkin scored his 885th career goal midway through the third period of the Washington Capitals’ game against New York Rangers on Wednesday night, moving nine away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record.

Vancouver Canucks' J.T. Miller waits for a face off during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Rangers get center J.T. Miller from Canucks in multiplayer deal

The New York Rangers have acquired veteran center J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multiplayer deal. The Rangers sent center Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini and a conditional draft pick to Vancouver.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) deflects a shot by New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) as Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) looks for the rebound during the second period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Eastern Conference Stanley Cup playoff finals, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Bobrovsky makes 23 saves for first shutout of the postseason, Panthers beat Rangers 3-0 in Game 1

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 23 shots for his first shutout of the postseason, Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and an assist and the Florida Panthers beat the New York Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final.

New York Rangers' Chris Kreider, second from right, celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes with teammates during the third period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers set to face Panthers in Eastern Conference final

One year after reaching the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers are back in the Eastern Conference final. The Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers have made it there for the second time in three years.

New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière (13) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes with defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) and left wing Artemi Panarin (10) during the third period in Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

Lafrenière continuing his breakthrough season as a solid contributor for Rangers in NHL playoffs

After a breakthrough regular season, Alexis Lafrenière has continued to be a solid contributor for the New York Rangers in their run to the Eastern Conference final.

New York Rangers center Jack Roslovic (96) skates with the puck past Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal in the first period during Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Monday, May 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Hurricanes score 4 in third period, rally to beat Rangers 4-1 in Game 5 to avoid elimination

Jordan Staal and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored 3:06 apart in the third period, and the Carolina Hurricanes got four goals in the third period for a 4-1 win over the New York Rangers in Game 5, staving off elimination for the second straight game.

New York Rangers' Ryan Lindgren watches a replay of a power play goal by Carolina Hurricanes' Brady Skjei during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Rangers look to regroup as they return home with 3-1 series lead against Hurricanes

The New York Rangers don’t plan to dwell on their first loss of the postseason. They still have plenty of confidence in themselves.

New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière (13) and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns (8) vie for the puck during the second period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Hurricanes shut down on power play again, fall into 0-2 series hole against Rangers

The Carolina Hurricanes had the NHL’s second-best power play during the regular season. They’ve been shut down by the New York Rangers and that’s been the difference in their second-round playoff series.

New York Rangers left wings Chris Kreider (20) and Jimmy Vesey (26), center Jack Roslovic (96) and other players react to center Vincent Trocheck's (16) game-winning goal in the second overtime in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in New York. The Rangers won 4-3. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Trocheck’s power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

Vincent Trocheck scored a power-play goal off a rebound at 7:24 of the second overtime to give the New York Rangers a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) looks on as New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad and left wing Chris Kreider celebrate following Zibanejad's goal during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 5, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

After special teams play keyed Rangers’ series-opening win, Hurricanes focused on getting better

The Rangers and Hurricanes were among the top special teams units during the regular season. Carolina was second on the power play and first on the penalty-kill, and New York was third in both.

New York Rangers defenseman Erik Gustafsson (56), left wing Jimmy Vesey and others celebrate center Vincent Trocheck's goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 5, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Mika Zibanejad had two goals and an assist, Artemi Panarin also scored and the New York Rangers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1 of their second-round series.

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin celebrates with left wing Chris Kreider after scoring a goal during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Rangers aware of Presidents’ Trophy curse as they face Carolina Hurricanes in second round

The New York Rangers are well aware about the difficulties Presidents’ Trophy winners have had in advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

CORRECTS GOAL SCORER TO MATHEW BARZAL, NOT BORTUZZO - New York Islanders' Alexander Romanov (28) celebrates with Robert Bortuzzo (41) after Mathew Barzal scored the game-winning goal during the second overtime period of Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

Mathew Barzal scored his second goal of the game on a deflection 1:24 into the second overtime and the New York Islanders beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Game 4 on Saturday to avoid a sweep in their first-round playoff series.

Carolina Hurricanes' Brent Burns, second from right, celebrates with Jaccob Slavin, right, Teuvo Teravainen (86) and Martin Necas (88) after scoring a goal against the. New York Islanders during the first period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov got Carolina off to a fast start and the Hurricanes held on to beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Thursday night for a 3-0 lead in the first-round series.

New York Rangers' Vincent Trocheck (16) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad lead Rangers to 4-3 win over Capitals for 2-0 series lead

Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad each had a goal and an assist and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers held on to beat the Washington Capitals 4-3 for a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

New York Rangers' Matt Rempe reacts during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Matt Rempe and Rangers’ fourth line comes up big in Game 1

Matt Rempe and the New York Rangers’ fourth line made their presence felt in the opener of their first-round series against the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

New York Rangers' Vincent Trocheck, left, celebrates after a goal by Artemi Panarin during the second period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Jimmy Vesey and Artemi Panarin lead Rangers to 4-1 win over Capitals in Game 1

Jimmy Vesey had a goal and an assist, Artemi Panarin also scored, and the New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals 4-1 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

New York Rangers' Chris Kreider (20) celebrates with Vincent Trocheck (16), Adam Fox (23), Artemi Panarin (10) and Mika Zibanejad (93) after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers open playoffs against a familiar foe in surging Capitals

The New York Rangers were the first team to clinch a playoff spot and finished with the NHL’s best record to earn the Presidents’ Trophy.

New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin celebrates his game-tying goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders Saturday, April 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/John Munson)

Artemi Panarin has career year with MVP-caliber numbers for Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers

Artemi Panarin was an established offensive player before he signed with the New York Rangers in 2019. He’s boosted his numbers since then. The Russian forward averaged 29 goals and 51 assists in his first four NHL seasons with Chicago and Columbus.

New York Rangers' Vincent Trocheck, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second period of an NHL Stadium Series hockey game against the New York Islanders in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Panarin rallies Rangers to 6-5 win over Islanders in outdoor game at MetLife Stadium

Artemi Panarin scored 10 seconds into overtime and the New York Rangers rallied from three goals down to beat the rival Islanders 6-5 in a Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium.

The New York Rangers play the New York Islanders during the second period of an NHL Stadium Series hockey game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NHL’s Stadium Series games at MetLife Stadium increases total to 41 played outdoors

The two Stadium Series games at MetLife Stadium this weekend increase the NHL’s total of outdoor games to 41. Each of the four teams featured five players who previously played in a pro game in the open air.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Jonathan Marchessault (81) celebrates after scoring a second goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Jonathan Marchessault scores 3 times and Adin Hill stops 36 shots as Golden Knights beat Rangers 5-2

Keegan Kolesar and Sheldon Rempal also scored to help Vegas improve to 5-0-1 in its last six games.

Edmonton Oilers center Ryan McLeod (71) scores during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers in New York, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)

Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod help Oilers rally for 4-3 win over Rangers

Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod each had a goal and an assist in Edmonton’s four-goal third period, helping the Oilers beat the New York Rangers 4-3.

New York Rangers' Mika Zibanejad, left, breaks away from Detroit Red Wings' Alex DeBrincat during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Vesey scores late in 3rd period as Rangers rally for 3-2 win over Red Wings

Jimmy Vesey scored the tiebreaking goal late in the third period, and the New York Rangers rallied to beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2.

Colorado Avalanche's Mikko Rantanen (96) watches the puck he shot past New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) for a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Rantanen has goal, 3 assists as Avalanche beat Islanders 7-4 for record 15th straight road win

Mikko Rantanen scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and had three assists as the Colorado Avalanche beat the New York Islanders 7-4 for their NHL-record 15th straight road win.

Nashville Predators' Cole Smith (36) shoots the puck past New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, bottom, during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Cole Smith scores 2, Juuse Saros has 23 saves as Predators beat Rangers 4-1

Cole Smith scored twice in the first period and the Nashville Predators beat the New York Rangers 4-1.

FILE - Then-Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette talks during media availability at the team's NHL hockey training camp, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Arlington, Va. Laviolette is now coach of the New York Rangers. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Change of pace: Peter Laviolette brings an up-tempo style to Rangers as third coach in four seasons

Peter Laviolette is the New York Rangers’ third coach in four seasons. His arrival in the offseason brought in another new system, a new philosophy, and new coaching style. However, the championship expectations remain the same.