Whalers Ride First-Period Surge to Dominate Rangers in 7-3 Victory

[HartfordWhalers]

New York, NY — The RSHL Whalers came out firing on all cylinders at Madison Square Garden, leaving the Rangers stunned with a relentless first-period onslaught en route to a commanding 7-3 victory.

From the opening puck drop, the Whalers set the tone, overwhelming the Rangers with precision passing and clinical finishing. Tage Thompson wasted no time getting the party started, burying his 11th of the season just over four minutes in, courtesy of a slick feed from Miro Heiskanen and Matthew Tkachuk. The floodgates opened from there, as Mark Stone cashed in on a power play opportunity and Mikael Backlund extended the lead just a few minutes later.

The Rangers momentarily halted the Whalers’ momentum when Jonny Brodzinski found twine to make it 2-1, but it was a fleeting reprieve. Garnet Hathaway then potted his first of the year, followed by Tkachuk adding a tally of his own—his ninth of the campaign—sending Rangers netminder John Gibson to the bench in favor of Cayden Primeau.

Despite the goaltending switch, the damage was done. The Rangers clawed back a goal in the second frame thanks to Mason McTavish, but their offensive push proved insufficient. The Whalers played a disciplined defensive game, limiting quality chances while waiting for their moments to strike.

With the Rangers attempting a late-game surge, Whalers forwards Tyler Motte and Anthony Cirelli slammed the door shut, each finding the net in the third period to secure the emphatic win.

Tkachuk finished the night as the offensive catalyst, recording three points (1G, 2A), while Thompson and Hathaway contributed two points apiece. Simeon Varlamov stood tall between the pipes, turning aside 19 of 22 shots to earn his eighth win of the season.

The Whalers’ depth proved decisive, as they not only delivered on the scoreboard but showcased a well-rounded attack that left little room for the Rangers to fight back. With this victory, the Whalers continue to build momentum, proving they are a force to be reckoned with as the season rolls on.