Rangers beat the champion team in the first semis

The two-time reigning champions Tampa Bay were almost a little rusty on the ice in New York.

But the team also had more than a week to rest after Florida was beaten 4-0 in matches in the quarter-final round.

Rangers, on the other hand, whose quarter-final series against Carolina went to Game Seven, had the steam up despite playing as late as two days earlier.

It was an even match halfway through.

But 2-2 in the middle of the second period became 4-2 before the last period break.

And in the third, the final nails in the Tampa Bay coffin were put through two more goals, by Artemij Panarin and finally Mika Zibanejad.

Six New York players, Zibanejad one of them, scored two points.

Filip Chytil through two goals while Zibanejad, Panarin and Frank Vatrano scored one goal and one assist each and Alexis Lafrenière and Adam Fox both scored for two assists each.

Igor Sjestiorkin saved 37 shots in Rangersburen.