Rangers rack up 5 third-period goals, crush Capitals

Field Level Media|published: Tue 23rd December, 22:07 2025

Dec 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) blocks a shot on Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) by Washington Capitals center Connor McMichael (24) during the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Vincent Trocheck scored twice during New York's five-goal third period, fueling the visiting Rangers to a 7-3 victory over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.

Former Capital Taylor Raddysh jointed Trocheck in amassing two goals and an assist as the Rangers snapped a four-game losing streak against the Capitals. New York dropped a 1-0 home decision to Washington on Oct. 12.

Will Cuylle collected one goal and two assists for the Rangers, and Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere had one of each. Lafreniere snapped a tie at 9:18 of the third period for his 100th career NHL goal.

Igor Shesterkin made 29 saves as the Rangers handed the Capitals their sixth loss in the last seven games (1-4-2).

Aliaksei Protas had a goal and an assist for Washington, and John Carlson and Dylan Strome also tallied during the Capitals' three-goal second period.

Washington rookie Ryan Leonard notched two assists in his return from injured reserve, and Logan Thompson turned aside 14 shots.

Raddysh, who played for Washington last season, converted at the left post to open the scoring at 14:57 of the first period. He chipped the puck past Thompson at 8:10 of the third to forge a 3-3 tie.

Lafreniere deflected Artemi Panarin's shot past Thompson just 68 seconds later to put the Rangers on top, and Trocheck tallied nearly 4 1/2 minutes later.

Panarin found the empty net with 2:16 to play before Trocheck capped the scoring 25 seconds later.

Carlson skated in from the point and wristed a shot from the right circle past Shesterkin to forge a 1-1 tie 23 seconds into the second period.

Strome was credited with the go-ahead power-play goal at 8:40 of the second period after officials deemed that Shesterkin's glove save came a split-second after the puck crossed the goal line.

Cuylle's deflection in front evened the contest at 2-2 at 11:14 of the second period before Protas scored his third goal in four games just 57 seconds later. Protas cleaned up a rebound of Sonny Milano's shot for his 13th goal of the season.

Capitals rugged forward Tom Wilson (illness) and defenseman Rasmus Sandin (upper body) did not play on Tuesday.

--Field Level Media

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