Rangers and Lightning combine for seven goals in eye-popping first period

Save some goals for the rest of the game! 

The Rangers and Lightning put on a goal-scoring clinic in the first period on Wednesday in Tampa Bay, tallying a combined seven goals with seven different skaters finding the back of the net.

The wild opening frame marked the first time two teams notched seven-plus goals in a first period since March 16, 2023. 

The four goals scored through the first 7:08 marked the fastest time that teams had combined for that many goals this season.

The Rangers had not scored four goals in a first period since April 10 against the Islanders.

New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière celebrates his first period goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. AP

Will Cuylle, J.T. Miller, Alexis Lafrenière and Will Borgen scored for the Rangers, while Scott Sabourin, Zemgus Girgensons and Jake Guentzel were the goal scorers for the Lightning. 

The Rangers’ offensive output has been hit-or-miss this season, with the team struggling to find the back of the net, particularly at home, but finding more success away from Madison Square Garden. 

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The Rangers have now scored at least four goals in three of their last four games — including on Wednesday night — with the only game that they failed to do so being a shutout loss to the Islanders at MSG on Saturday. 

The Rangers entered Wednesday’s game with an 8-7-2 record and sitting sixth in the Metropolitan Division.