Rangers Erupt for Three Goals in Third Period, Beat Panthers

Adam Sykora, Conor Sheary, and Adam Fox score in the final frame to lift New York over Florida.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:08pm

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The New York Rangers scored three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Sunday. Rookie Adam Sykora broke the scoreless tie early in the third, Conor Sheary added a short-handed goal, and Adam Fox sealed the win with an empty-netter. Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves for the Rangers, who improved to 11-18-7 at home this season.

Why it matters

The Rangers' third-period outburst helped them overcome a tough defensive battle and pick up a crucial two points in the standings as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The loss was a disappointing one for the Panthers, who are looking to solidify their position in the postseason race.

The details

Sykora opened the scoring at 5:10 of the third period, tipping in a shot from Adam Fox to break the deadlock. Sheary then doubled the lead with a short-handed breakaway goal at 11:14, and Fox added an empty-netter late to seal the victory. Florida's Mackie Samoskevich scored with 40 seconds left to spoil Shesterkin's shutout bid.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Sykora scored the opening goal at 5:10 of the third period.
  • Sheary scored the Rangers' second goal at 11:14 of the third period.
  • Fox scored the empty-net goal at 16:06 of the third period.
  • Samoskevich scored Florida's lone goal with 40.2 seconds remaining in the game.

The players

Adam Sykora

A rookie forward for the New York Rangers who was a second-round pick in 2022 and scored the opening goal in the third period.

Igor Shesterkin

The Rangers' starting goaltender who made 27 saves in the game.

Conor Sheary

A Rangers forward who scored a short-handed goal in the third period to give New York a 2-0 lead.

Adam Fox

A Rangers defenseman who assisted on Sykora's goal and scored an empty-net goal to seal the win.

Mackie Samoskevich

A Panthers forward who scored Florida's lone goal in the final minute of the game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough, defensive battle, so we just had to stay patient and capitalize on our chances in the third period.”

— Adam Sykora, Rangers Forward

What’s next

The Rangers will host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, while the Panthers will host the Ottawa Senators.

The takeaway

The Rangers' third-period outburst demonstrated their ability to grind out a tough win, even when the game is scoreless for long stretches. This victory could prove crucial as New York continues to fight for a playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference.