Adam Sykora, Igor Shesterkin spark 3-1 Rangers win over Panthers: takeaways
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images Rookie Adam Sykora scored his second goal in as many games and goalie Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves to lead the New York Rangers past the Florida Panthers 3-1 in a Sunday matinee at Madison Square Garden. Sykora scored the first of New York’s three goals in the third period against the defending Stanley Cup champions, who are limping to the finish line this season with a depleted lineup. Still, the Panthers played a hard, physical game, as expected, but Sykora and his teammates were more than up to the challenge.
The 21-year-old, who scored his first NHL goal in a 6-1 rout over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, also had his first fight in three games with the Rangers, when he engaged in a brief tussle with Luke Kunin late in the first period. Luke Kunin started THROWING down on rookie Adam Sykora 😳👊 pic. twitter.
com/qFHq0xLoGG — Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 29, 2026 He wasn’t the only one who sparked the Rangers on Sunday. Shesterkin earned First Star honors and came within 41 seconds of shutting out the Panthers. The 30-year-old was at his best in the first period, stopping all 15 shots he faced.
Adam Fox had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (30-35-9), who also defeated the Panthers in the outdoor Winter Classic in Miami on Jan. 2. Conor Sheary’s short-handed goal in the third period proved to be the game-winner Sunday.
Tye Kartye kicks it out of the zone and Conor Sheary scores a breakaway goal! pic. twitter.
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