Kakko scores to take the lead, a breakdown

Jun 3, 2022 182.6K views 1:43

What Happened

Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers takes the puck in the offensive zone, with the game tied late in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kakko recognizes that the Lightning defenders have overcommitted on the left side, leaving him wide open on the right side of the net. He receives a quick pass and calmly slots the puck past the sprawling Lightning goaltender to give the Rangers the lead. The young Rangers forward line, known as the "kid line," has been dominating the Eastern Conference Finals series against the defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning. Kakko, along with his linemates Alexis Lafrenière and Filip Chytil, have been driving the Rangers' offense and causing problems for the experienced Lightning defense. "The kids, the kids, the kids. Power of the kids," says the analyst, clearly impressed by the performance of the young Rangers stars. The goal gives the Rangers a crucial late lead in a tight, back-and-forth game against their fierce divisional rivals. The Rangers' bench erupts in celebration as Kakko's goal puts them in position to take a valuable Game 1 victory. The 21-year-old Finn has emerged as a key contributor for the Rangers in this playoff run and his clutch goal here showcases his growing confidence and skill. The Lightning players on the ice look dejected, with one defender shown regretting his failed attempt to block the shot. The Rangers' coaching staff, led by head coach Gerard Gallant, can be seen pumping their fists, knowing their young stars have delivered another important playoff moment. "Goalie thinking, damn, that sucked," the analyst quips, as the camera pans to the Lightning netminder, who appears frustrated by the defensive lapse that led to the decisive goal. As the final seconds tick away, the Rangers faithful at Madison Square Garden erupt in cheers, sensing their team is on the verge of taking an early series lead over the battle-tested Lightning. It's a signature moment for the Rangers' young core, who are proving they can rise to the occasion against the championship-pedigree Lightning.

Full Transcript

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We're a hockey company.

We always have been.

The kid line for the Rangers is the real deal now.

I think it was the second game of the last series against the Hurricanes.

They got split up, and now they're just scoring goals