Rangers Rookie Sykora Shines in 3-1 Win Over Panthers

21-year-old scores, fights in third NHL game as Rangers hand Panthers tough loss

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:41pm

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The New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, with rookie forward Adam Sykora delivering a standout performance that included scoring the game-winning goal, getting into his first NHL fight, and falling just short of a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Why it matters

The Rangers' victory over the playoff-contending Panthers showcases the emergence of young talent like Sykora, providing hope for Rangers fans in a season where the team has already been eliminated from postseason contention.

The details

Sykora, a 2022 second-round draft pick, opened the scoring with a tip-in goal early in the third period. The game was tight throughout, with both teams struggling to generate many scoring chances in the first 40 minutes. A goal by Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk was disallowed after a successful offside challenge by the Rangers, proving to be a pivotal moment. The Rangers' penalty kill was strong, going 3-for-3 and adding a short-handed goal. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves to help the Rangers secure the win.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Sykora's opening goal came 5:10 into the third period.
  • Tkachuk's disallowed goal came just under four minutes into the final period.

The players

Adam Sykora

A 21-year-old rookie forward for the New York Rangers, playing in his third NHL game. Sykora scored the game-winning goal, got into his first NHL fight, and fell just short of a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Igor Shesterkin

The Rangers' starting goaltender, who made 27 saves to help his team secure the victory.

Matthew Tkachuk

The star winger for the Florida Panthers, whose goal was disallowed after a successful offside challenge by the Rangers.

Luke Kunin

A Panthers forward who fought with Sykora in the first period.

J.T. Miller

A Rangers forward who assisted on the team's short-handed goal in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Sykora had talent, but to see him step up like this in a big game is really exciting. He's making a strong case to stick around.”

— Gerard Gallant, Rangers Head Coach

What’s next

The Rangers have just eight games left in their season, and while they've been eliminated from playoff contention, games like this showcase the potential of young players like Sykora as the team looks to the future.

The takeaway

The Rangers' victory over the playoff-contending Panthers was a testament to the team's resilience and the emergence of young talent like Adam Sykora, providing a glimmer of hope for Rangers fans in a difficult season.