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New York Rangers dominate in final game of the season in honor of Sam Rosen

When it seemed like all hope was lost, the New York Rangers managed to pull through in a game that appeared it meant little to none. However, looks can be deceiving and despite not advancing to the playoffs, the Blueshirts still managed to pull out a 4-0 win in honor of Sam Rosen's final calls.
ByJennifer Streeter|
Vancouver Canucks v New York Rangers
Vancouver Canucks v New York Rangers | Sarah Stier/GettyImages

"It's a power play goal" is officially no more. The New York Rangers' final game of 2024-25 was solidified in a 4-0 shutout win at Madison Square Garden over the Tampa Bay Lightning in honor of legendary broadcaster Sam Rosen.

While wearing custom jerseys and patches in Rosen's honor, four goals were scored by the Rangers to end things on as good of a note as they could without any hope for a postseason. During an intermission report, Blueshirt fans even learned that Rangers veteran Mika Zibanejad gifted Rosen the stick from his five-goal game against the Washington Capitals. Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, who some are saying played his last game on Thursday night, both scored and even combined for a goal.

As Zibanejad scored twice, the last remaining goal scorer of the night was Vincent Trocheck and he was assisted by the hot stick of J.T. Miller.

Trocheck's goal was noteworthy in that he now ties Cecil Dillon (1934-35) for the second-most shorthanded goals in a season by a Ranger with six. Theo Fleury (2000-01) is the only Ranger in history ahead of the Pittsburgh native, and the former Blueshirt leads with seven.

By the third period with the score already 2-0 in the Blueshirts' favor, chants of "Sam Rosen" rang out throughout Madison Square Garden.

Rosen was also awarded a very well-deserved first start of the game.

"What a night. A night to remember. And I can't thank the Rangers organization, MSG Networks enough for making this so special for me," Rosen said, "Nice finish to the season. Nice finish to the career."

In his sixth shutout of the year, netminder Igor Shesterkin saved all 27 of the shots he faced. The win also meant the Rangers avoided the season sweep by the Lightning (5-1, April 7th and 6-2, Dec. 28th). In addition to the four goal win, Shesterkin shutout and the final game of the season — the night ended at MSG with a standing ovation for Rosen.

While the Rangers wrote NHL history in not making the playoffs after winning the Presidents Trophy, they made league history on April 17th with a faithful win in honor of their legendary broadcaster.

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