The OT win gave Finland its first two points in the tournament after losing 6-1 to the United States on Thursday. Sweden got one point for its second straight overtime loss; the Swedes lost 4-3 in OT to Canada on Wednesday. The United States defeated Canada 3-1 on Saturday night and with six points is assured of making the championship game on Thursday.

The Finns play Canada at TD Garden in Boston on Monday afternoon; the U.S. plays Sweden on Monday night.

There were two New York Rangers in play, as Zibanejad faced off against defenseman Urho Vaakanainen of Finland. Former Rangers Kaapo Kakko and Niko Mikkola also played key roles for Finland. Kakko, who was a healthy scratch against the U.S., had the primary assist on Aleksander Barkov’s game-tying goal at 17:05 of the second period.

Rivalry ready. pic.twitter.com/fpSxo9y9Rp

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 15, 2025

Mikkola had the only assist on Granlund’s game-winner, a shot from the right circle that went through the five-hole of Swedish goaltender Linus Ullmark.

“It’s always great to beat Sweden,” said Granlund, who was traded to the Dallas Stars by the San Jose Sharks two weeks ago. “Those games are fun to play. There’s so many people in Finland, in Sweden to watch these games. It’s great to come (out) on top, and at the same time we are alive in this tournament. Everything is in our own hands.”

Zibanejad got the scoring started for Sweden with his first goal of the tournament, was plus-1, won 10 of 12 face-offs and had six shots on goal in 21:00 of ice time.

“It was a game that we wanted to win,” Zibanejad said. “There were areas where we could have done better; quicker attacks before they got settled in their (defensive) zone, where they’re pretty strong and just try to clog up the middle.”

“They did a good job with that, and it’s not a surprise. I don’t think we did a good enough job in that sense

Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson also scored with goals for Sweden, while Joel Eriksson Ek, Lucas Raymond, and William Nylander each had assists. Filip Gustavsson made two saves on four shots before leaving after the first period because of illness. Ullmark replaced him and made 15 saves on 17 shots.

Mikael Granlund scored the first OT goal ever by Finland in an NHL International Tournament and ensured that they’ll be playing for a spot in the #4Nations Face-Off final Monday (1 p.m. ET on TNT, Max, truTV, SN, TVAS). 🇫🇮#NHLStats: https://t.co/q1g6FIJhzA pic.twitter.com/12P7TKQGrd

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) February 15, 2025

For Finland, Anton Lundell, Mikko Rantanen and Barkov scored goals in regulation before Granlund became the overtime hero. Patrik Laine had two assists; Eetu Luostarinen, Sebastian Aho, Olli Maatta, Kakko, and Mikkola each had one. Kevin Lankinen was solid in net, making 21 saves.

“I thought the chances they did get, we maybe were too aggressive, especially outside the (face-off) dots,” Zibanejad said. “We left a little too much room for them to counter and go the other way, and they have a good forward group. It was disappointing.”

Related: Rangers forward Chris Kreider likely to be scratch again for Team USA vs. Canada at 4 Nations Face-Off

Finland 4 – Sweden 3 (OT)

Zibanejad opened the game for Sweden, once again playing with Nylander and Rickard Rakell. Across the way for Finland, Vaakanainen slotted in on the third defense pair with Nikolas Matinpalo.

Sweden earned a power play less than three minutes into the opening period after Mikkola was sent off for hooking, but Zibanejad and the rest of the first power-play unit were unable to find the back of the net. Sweden controlled the majority of play, outshooting Finland 3-0 through the first seven minutes.

Zibanejad put the Swedes ahead 1-0 after Nylander stripped the puck from Barkov. It squeaked out to Zibanejad, who was alone in the high slot and rifled a shot past Gustavsson.

Finland tied it at 10:59 by cashing in on a 2-on-1 break. Florida Panthers teammates Lundell and Luostarinen came into the offensive zone and Luostarinen fed a cross-ice pass to Lundell, who went back across the grain and beat Gustavsson.

The Finns capitalized it on their first power-play opportunity to take at 2-1 lead with 14 seconds remining in the opening period. Rantanen scored with Swedish captain Victor Hedman off for tripping. He was open on the right circle and beat Gustavsson, putting Finland in front at intermission despite being outshot 8-4.

Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring to give Sweden its first lead of the #4Nations Face-Off, but Anton Lundell and Mikko Rantanen responded to put Finland up 2-1.

Tune in on ABC, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports. #NHLStats: https://t.co/q1g6FIJhzA pic.twitter.com/Je9PCpwEWc

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) February 15, 2025

Sweden got off to a solid start in the second, as Gustav Forsling rang a shot off the crossbar. But Finland had the next four shots as Ullmark stood tall.

The Swedes evened the score at 2-2 at 5:06 when Dahlin, a defenseman, got to the front of the net to slam home a loose puck following Raymond’s shot. They went ahead at 10:32 when Karlsson joined the rush, took a pass from Nylander and beat Lankinen, giving Sweden a 3-2 lead.

Erik Karlsson scored one of the game’s three go-ahead goals during the first 40 minutes. 🇸🇪

Tune in for the third period on ABC, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports. #NHLStats: https://t.co/q1g6FIJhzA pic.twitter.com/dr67BmP6P3

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) February 15, 2025

But Finland’s patience paid off, and the Finns got even at 17:04 when Barkov deflected home a pass from Maatta. Kakko got the primary assist as the puck glanced off his stick before coming to Barkov.

Both teams took a cautious approach to the start of the third, both needing a win in the second of three round-robin games. After not much action through six minutes of play, Sweden was awarded a power play when Barkov was called for tripping.

Finland was able to kill off the penalty — and Barkov came out of the box for a breakaway only to be denied by Ullmark. A flurry of chances for Finland were denied by Ullmark as the third period progressed, and regulation time ended 3-3.

“He gave us a chance to win,” Zibanejad said.

MIKAEL GRANLUND WINS IT FOR FINLAND IN OVERTIME! 🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮 #4Nations pic.twitter.com/QpqTYRtGKG

— NHL (@NHL) February 15, 2025

Zibanejad won the opening face-off of overtime and got the puck to Raymond, who returned it to Zibanejad for a shot that nearly ended the game six seconds into the 10-minute period, but Lankinen came up big.

Granlund won it when he came up ice on a 2-on-1. He looked off the pass and beat Ullmark through the legs, earning Finland a crucial two points in the tournament standings.

“I finally shot one of those,” Granlund said. “I’m glad it went in. Obviously, it was a tight game all around. Great job for us.”

Zibanejad said Sweden has to focus on Monday’s game.

“I think we can attack a little more,” Zibanejad said when asked what his team can do better against the U.S. “I think we showed in that first game, and at times today, what we’re good at and what we have to do more of. We’ll talk about it tomorrow and get ready (for Monday).”

Perhaps motivated by coming so close to their first Cup Final since 2014 yet falling short, the Rangers are 5-0-1 to start the new season, the best points percentage (.917) in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers are doing it with largely the same roster as last season. The only regular newcomers into the lineup are forwards Reilly Smith (trade) and Sam Carrick (free agent), and rookie defenseman Victor Mancini. Forward Adam Edstrom has also worked his way into a full-time role with Jimmy Vesey injured, playing all six games after appearing in 11 with the Rangers last season.

New York won’t be changing a winning hand Thursday after a 7-2 rout against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. That means Ryan Lindgren, who returned from an upper-body injury, will again skate with Mancini on the third defense pair, and Jonny Brodzinski will remain on the fourth line, with Matt Rempe a healthy scratch.

The Panthers (4-3-1) are first in the Atlantic Division and begin a five-game road trip Thursday that includes two games in Finland next week against the Dallas Stars in the 2024 NHL Global Series. They are hoping to get captain Aleksander Barkov back in the lineup soon, He’s out with a lower-body injury, missing the past six games.

Related: Randy Moller says Rangers must change playoff ‘mindset’ to win Stanley Cup

3 things to watch for when Rangers host Panthers

1. Measuring stick — but for whom?

Jacob Trouba believes this game will be a “good test” for the Rangers, who’ve yet to lose in regulation through six games and own the first six-game point streak to begin a season in franchise history.

“It’s a good test every time you play a top-notch team,” the Rangers captain said after the morning skate Thursday. “Obviously, the defending champs. They’re one of the best in the League, so it’ll be a good test for us.”

But is this really a measuring-stick game for the Panthers and not as much for the Rangers? As New York plays at a crazy high level, with a goal differential of plus-19 and averaging a League-best 5.17 goals per game, Florida is struggling to score and have been sloppy defensively. The Panthers miss Barkov, no doubt, but a minus-five goal differential is an unsightly look for the reigning champions.

Right now, one team looks locked in. The other, not so much.

2. Igor vs. Bob

One of the things that made the 2024 ECF so compelling was the goalie matchup. Countrymen from Russia, Igor Shesterkin and Sergei Bobrovksy are two of the best at their position in the world. Shesterkin has the 2021-22 Vezina Trophy as top NHL goalie on his resume, and Bobrovsky won the Vezina twice, to go along with the Stanley Cup last spring.

Bobrovsky, of course, led the Panthers past the Rangers, allowing 12 goals in six games and more than two goals only once. His save percentage was .921.

But Shesterkin faced 49 more shots in the series and was a one-man force against the Panthers. He was spectacular despite losing the series, finishing with a .930 save percentage, allowing 14 goals in six games.

Shesterkin’s continued his brilliance early on this season. In five starts, he’s 4-0-1 with a 1.98 goals-against average and .932 save percentage, allowing two goals or fewer in each win and one goal or fewer three times.

It’s been a bumpier ride for Bobrovsky. He’s 3-2-1 in six starts with a 3.47 GAA and . 875 save percentage, allowing three goals or more in all but one game.

3. Bottom six impact

It can’t be overstated how big a role Florida’s bottom six played last season, especially in the deep grind of their Stanley Cup run in the postseason. However, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kevin Stenlund, Kyle Okposo, Ryan Lomberg and Steven Lorentz are all gone, and the Panthers are trying to rebuild their identity in that bottom six.

On the other side, the Rangers bottom six is flourishing. The line of Will Cuylle-Filip Chytil-Kappo Kakko combined for three goals and eight points Tuesday in Montreal and are dominating puck possession and scoring chances 5v5 this season. They’ve been on the ice for seven goals for at even strength and zero against.

New York’s fourth line has been physical and chipped in offensively, as we saw when Brodzinski scored against the Canadiens. Brodzinski and Edstrom have earned playing time ahead of Rempe, and Carrick has impressed.

Right now, the Rangers have a distinct advantage over the Panthers when it comes to bottom-six play and production.

New York Rangers projected lineup

Kreider – Zibanejad – Smith

Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere

Cuylle – Chytil – Kakko

Edstrom – Carrick – Brodzinski

Miller – Fox

Schneider – Trouba

Lindgren-Mancini

Shesterkin

Quick

Check back for updates after Rangers coach Peter Laviolette meets with the media Tuesday morning.

Rangers vs. Panthers: When, where, what time, how to watch

Who: New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers

When: Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. ET

How to Watch: MSG

Click here for New York Rangers complete 2024-25 schedule and game results

They’re not the only top Rangers guns who’ve been quiet against the Panthers. But Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin got untracked a bit Tuesday, each with a pair of assists in New York’s 3-2 overtime loss.

That is the Adam Fox we know.

What a goal, 13 comes up big yet again. https://t.co/judxI9OE4c

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) May 29, 2024

Though Kreider was held without a shot on goal Tuesday, Zibanejad did have six, including one on the power play that deflected off goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and off the crossbar in the first period. Still, neither forward has a point in the series.

“We’ve got to do a better job of advancing pucks up the ice and establishing O-Zone presence,” Kreider told reporters postgame. “A lot of that falls on me, I gotta be able to get in there, win pucks, get my body on pucks, move my feet, and allow us to get up the ice and start rolling.”

The Rangers were out-attempted 19-5 when Kreider and Zibanejad were on the ice at 5v5, surrendering 10 scoring chances while creating just two of their own.

Kreider was extremely hard on himself after the game, taking the brunt of the responsibility for the top line’s lack of offensive production.

“I just needed to make a couple plays. I think I single-handedly harpooned a few of our possessions in the O-Zone,” Kreider said. “Throwing a couple passes that didn’t sit flat or just whiffing on them entirely. Everyone’s on the same page, everyone was clicking, and I personally needed to execute a little better and I think we would have been more efficient.”

It’s an admirable sentiment from the longest-tenured Ranger, but Zibanejad also plays a part in the line’s struggles. Mika got off to a red-hot start to these Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying 13 points and three goals in the first eight games, recording a point in every contest.

He’s cooled off significantly, recording just one point in the past six games and riding a nine-game postseason goalless drought.

That more or less aligns with Kreider’s rough stretch. Kreider hit the score sheet once in his past seven games. Granted, that one time was pretty spectacular as he willed the Rangers to a second-round series win over the Carolina Hurricanes with a natural hat trick in the third period of the decisive Game 6. However, outside of that amazing burst, he, like Zibanejad, has struggled to impact the game.

“They’re working,” Laviolette noted postgame, addressing his top line’s lack of production. “We’re spending a little bit too much time playing defense, and so we’re not able to move and generate the way that we want to out there. [The Florida Panthers] come at you hard, they dump a lot of pucks, they forecheck hard, and so you’re not spending time in the right zone. [Zibanejad and Kreider] want to get into the offensive zone where they can make an impact in the game. That’s something I thought we did a much better job at home of controlling the play.”

"We're spending a little bit too much time playing defense, especially in the second period."

Peter Laviolette was asked what he's seen from Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad's line: pic.twitter.com/8UZoPevZ7G

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 29, 2024

Related: How Chris Kreider avoided game misconduct in Game 4 against Panthers

Rangers need more from Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad

Florida utilized the benefit of last change on home ice to match up 2024 Selke-winner Aleksander Barkov with Zibanejad and Kreider’s line. They’ve also seen a lot of Sam Reinhart, who finished fourth in Selke voting, in the series.

It was Barkov who helped set up the game-winner on Tuesday, driving to the net and drawing a hooking penalty from Blake Wheeler after Niko Mikkola poked away an ugly pass in the offensive zone by Zibanejad. Reinhart scored the overtime winner just 13 seconds later, blasting a one-timer by Igor Shesterkin to give the Panthers the win.

Mika Zibanejad on this play: “Obviously I should have probably made a different play, decision. … Just come back and try to make other decisions next time and hope that it goes my way.”

He thought Wheeler was more open with Cuylle headed to the net. pic.twitter.com/qV8F3jzn86

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) May 29, 2024

Zibanejad and Kreider were out-attempted 41-10 in the two games in Florida, hemmed in by the Panthers’ excellent top unit.

The numbers get a little better when you factor in the two games at MSG, but they’re still being out-attempted 66-30 and out-chanced 25-11 over the course of this Eastern Conference Final series.

The continued lack of production led Laviolette to make a change entering the third period.

With Filip Chytil a healthy scratch in Game 4 in an effort to manage his workload upon return from injury, Jack Roslovic got the start on the right wing besides Kreider and Zibanejad. However, before the start of the third period, Laviolette bumped up Kaapo Kakko, who was a healthy scratch just two games ago, to join the first line.

“The change was made for me based on Kaapo and what I saw in the first part of the game,” Laviolette explained. “He was moving, he was protecting pucks, he was looking to create and generate, and so, to try and make that switch to see if it could try to move the needle in the direction of the offensive zone.”

The change didn’t spark much as Florida dominated the bulk of the third period, out-attempting the combination of Zibanejad, Kreider, and Kakko 8-1.

Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider each has 0 points in the Eastern Conference Final.

The Rangers are still tied 2-2 after four games, but to think they can win two of the next three without 93 and 20 producing, or at least playing more in the offensive zone, it seems unrealistic.

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 29, 2024

The series returns to MSG on Thursday for arguably the Rangers’ most important game of the season. Up to this point, it’s been the likes of Alexis Lafreniere (three goals), Barclay Goodrow (three goals, one game-winner), and Vincent Trocheck (two goals) that have led the charge offensively for the Blueshirts in this series.

Shesterkin has continued to shine in net, posting yet another brilliant performance with 37 saves in the 3-2 loss on Tuesday.

At some point, the Rangers will likely need their stars to contribute. The Eastern Conference Final is now essentially a best-of-3. New York has home ice in Game 5 and the potential Game 7. That could allow Laviolette to control the matchup for his first line and get them away from the dominant Barkov line.

But defensive matchups aside, Zibanejad and Kreider just haven’t looked sharp this series. The Rangers have battled hard to be two wins away from a Stanley Cup Final appearance. A productive first line led by Zibanejad and Kreider could make the difference to actually get all the way there.

How will the Rangers deal with the extremely physical Panthers? Can the Rangers’ special teams continue to give them the edge in these playoffs? Will Igor Shesterkin outduel Sergei Bobrovsky in goal?

These are many of the storylines coming into the series with more to develop from period to period. However, there is one key battle that if the Rangers can win, could mean advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

Mika Zibanejad versus Aleksander Barkov.

Related: The evolution of Vincent Trocheck

Rangers need the best from Mika Zibanejad

For years, it’s been argued that Mika Zibanejad is one of the best two-way forwards in the League today. That being said, the highest he’s ever finished in voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward, was 15th back during the 2021-22 campaign.

Meanwhile, Aleksander Barkov has just won his second Selke Trophy (previously in 2020-21). Deservedly so, as he’s been one of the top defensive centers since entering the League back in the 2013-14 season.

“I think it starts with the team, obviously,” Barkov said upon winning. “We have great systems, defensive-minded systems. So, we always think about the defensive side first. And then, obviously, you want to — as everyone else — you want to play with the puck as much as possible and play in the offensive zone. And offense is usually the best defense. So, I think, as a team we’ve done a pretty good job with that, so it helps individually as well.”

Taking a closer look at their numbers over the last three seasons, you’ll see very little disparity between the two centers.

Over a three-year period, Barkov is averaging just .18 more points than Zibanejad, and holds a slight edge in on-ice even strength goals (61.9% to 59.5%). When you delve further into special teams play, Zibanejad has a significant advantage scoring more points per 60 minutes of play shorthanded and on the power play.

“I think he’s been really good. He’s been playing in high gears,” coach Peter Laviolette said during the Capitals series. “I do notice him and the high levels of speed that he’s playing at and the areas that he’s getting to in trying to get his shot off and trying to create. That’s obvious to me.”

The 30-year-old center is bringing it in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 10 games.

“He’s turned it up a notch for sure,” teammate Vincent Trocheck noted. “Mika is very soft-spoken and mild-tempered, always, but he’s competitive and we all can see that. He leads by example.” 

Of course, the 28-year-old captain of the Panthers is playing pretty well himself with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 11 postseason games. When the series shifts to Florida for Game 3, it’s almost a given that Florida head coach Paul Maurice will deploy him against Trocheck’s line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere.

At the end of the day, whether these two are nose-to-nose in the face-off circle, or simply eating up valuable minutes against other lines, the difference in winning this series could come down to who played better.

New York Rangers Trade Rumors: Aleksander Barkov

Aleksander Barkov is a wanted man, at least according to the latest TSN Insider Trading.

“I’m told that a number of teams have made inquiries to GM Bill Zito over the last number of weeks to check out Barkov’s availability,” Frank Seravalli revealed. Zito also wanted it to be clear that he is not looking to trade him.

The 25 year-old will be a UFA in 2022 and the belief is the Panthers may not be able to sign him. Anytime a young center who has 407 points in just 479 games is even thought to be available, you can expect lots of rumors around him.

Teams rumored to be interested are the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and L.A. Kings.

The fact that Rangers are involved and possibly one of the teams that made an inquiry should come as no shock. The Blueshirts feel they are another top center away from contention.

Tony DeAngelo on thin ice

The young defenseman has been a lightning rod of controversy since he’s been with the Rangers. Whether it’s his now deleted Twitter account, or his clashes with coach David Quinn, it’s become a little distracting. At least in the eyes of fans and media.

I will say this though, when it comes to his teammates and in the locker room he’s well liked.

After the Rangers season opening loss where DeAngelo took an undisciplined penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, he found himself skating with the taxi squad. This could all result in a scratch for the league’s fourth highest scoring defenseman from last season.

This isn’t the first time David Quinn has scratched him if that is indeed what happens today. The bigger question is, with Nils Lundkvist just a Lulea contract termination away from signing his ELC, could DeAngelo be a trade bait candidate?

The word I am getting this early in the season is “yes.” DeAngelo is likely to be the centerpiece in any trade for a center.

Pierre-Luc Dubois rumor update

One of the top NHL Insiders and a friend to this network, Nick Kypreos reported that Pierre-Luc Dubois wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens.

According to Kyper, Jarmo Kekalainen wants a package that starts with Nick Suzuki and more. The ball could very well be in Marc Bergevin’s court. If that’s the case, Rangers are likely already out on this one.

Pierre-Luc Dubois first destination choice is @CanadiensMTL The @BlueJacketsNHL ask is now focused around Nick Suzuki / plus. Romanov has been deemed untouchable. Would you do it if your Marc Bergevin? @Line_Movement

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 14, 2021