Rangers dominate Kraken 6-3 in electric debut of Vladimir Tarasenko

Chris Drury and the New York Rangers traded for Vladimir Tarasenko as someone who could score consistently. 

It took two minutes for the former Stanley Cup winner to show just right they were. 

Tarasenko, Vincent Trocheck, and the kids led a massive offensive charge, and the New York Rangers doubled up the Seattle Kraken 6-3 on Friday night.

“I was kind of nervous going in this morning. Everyone’s been really nice to me. It’s been a lot of emotions but it was amazing.” Tarasenko said about his debut. 

Artemi Panarin found his “good friend” early in Friday’s contest on a cutting pass that put New York up 1-0 early. Minutes later, the Kid Line would continue its dominance with a score from Kaapo Kakko to give the Rangers a two-goal advantage five minutes in. 

“It was a great way for him (Tarasenko) to start his Ranger career. He’s excited to play and he’s a good hockey player. He’s going to help our team become a really good one.” Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant explained. 

New York’s hot start wouldn’t end there though. After the first two lines connected with points, Chris Kreider found Vincent Trocheck who pushed the puck past the goalie on a dive to send Madison Square Garden into a frenzy after one. 

One period of domination wasn’t enough for the Rangers though. A powerplay opportunity to kick off the second period found the Rangers extending their lead to four with a Jacob Trouba shot and score. Even with Seattle getting on the board later in the second when Oliver Bjorkstrand netted his 10th of the season by Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers went into the final frame with a comfortable 4-1 advantage. 

The Kraken wouldn’t go away easily though in the third…