After being in deep trouble for several weeks, Alexis Lafrenière responded to his critics in style during the New York Rangers’ 5-1 win over the Buffalo Sabers on Thursday night.
With less than four minutes left in the first period, Alexis Lafrenière found himself almost alone in front of Sabers goaltender Devon Levi, who was able to return the puck to the promised land.
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The former Rimouski Océanic finished the game with a difference of +2, a playing time of 14:23 minutes and three shots on goal.
Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, twice, and Jacob Trouba also got the red light for the Blueshirts. John-Jason Peterka responded for Buffalo.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux native Devon Levi didn’t necessarily have a great game, conceding four goals on 29 shots. For his part, his opponent Igor Shesterkin was almost perfect, stopping 23 of the 24 pucks aimed at him.
Lafrenière and the Rangers will visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. The Sabers will face the New York Islanders on the same day in Elmont.