The extension period began with Rangers Artemi Panarin stealing the puck in the middle of an Islanders attack.
But three Islanders defender caught up with Panarin's counter and instead of trying on an end, he got away with a pass to Mika Zibanejad, who came from the blue line. The Swede dreamed up with a shot that went straight in and thus the match was decided - Rangers eighth away win at the Rakes finished 4-3.
- It feels like it (the puck) is pasted on his (Panarin's) club - once he has decided, he can't take it from him. Then the puck came to me and I just felt like shooting, Zibanejad says of the victory goal from the dressing room.
The visiting Rangers had taken the lead in the New York derby at the end of the first period following goals by just Panarin.
The team then extended its lead to 3-1 before the Islanders caught up. With only seconds left of the match, the home team acknowledged and extension waited. Thus, Zibanejad could decide almost immediately.
- We played pretty smart. Of course, you don't want to lose a 3-1 lead and give them a point like that, but we take the two (the points) and continue to work, says Zibanejad.
The victory goal was also Sweden's hundred for Rangers, which he has played with since the 2016-2017 season.