Kings score three in first period to end Rangers home win streak

The Los Angeles Kings scored three goals in the first period on Monday night to take down the New York Rangers 6-3 at Madison Square Garden. The victory ended the Rangers' six-game home winning streak and marked the first win for a visiting team at the venue this season.

Drew Doughty contributed a goal and two assists in the win. Artemi Panarin added a power-play goal and an assist. The Kings improved to 3-5-2 on the season, securing their third victory in their last four games. All of those wins came on the road after Los Angeles went winless in its first six games of the year.

The early surge forced a change in goal for New York. The Rangers pulled James Reimer after the first period when he allowed three goals on eight shots. Reimer was making his debut for New York after signing an NHL contract for the remainder of the season. He had played just one game this fall, a 35-save shutout in the American Hockey League on Saturday.

Taylor Ward opened the scoring 1:15 into the game on the Kings' first shot. Brandt Clarke extended the lead to 2-0 at 4:52 of the first period. Doughty followed with a long one-timer from the left point to make it 3-1. It was Doughty's first goal in 25 regular-season games and his first three-point game since February 22, 2025.

"Yeah, that was nice," Doughty told NHL.com. "I haven't had a night like that in a minute."

Panarin scored a power-play goal 90 seconds into the second period. Mikey Anderson added a second-period goal after a faceoff win. Alex Laferriere recorded two assists, and 12 Kings players collected a point in the game. Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves for the victory. His third win of the season came as the Kings extended their winning streak against New York to six games.

The Rangers cut the deficit late in the second and third periods. Adam Fox scored on the power play with 6:55 left in the second period. Tye Kartye reduced the lead to two at 16:08 of the third period. Joel Edmundson scored into an empty net for his first goal of the season. Dylan Garand stopped 15 of 17 shots after replacing Reimer.

Kings coach Peter Laviolette said the team played fast and made good decisions. "We played the game fast and we made good decisions," Laviolette told NHL.com, "and we attacked." All 18 Kings skaters were on the ice for at least one goal.

The Rangers have allowed 18 goals during a three-game losing streak. The team fell to 1-4-1 in its last six games. Reimer, who is making his 493rd career start, was fast-tracked to rest Garand. Garand has started every game since Igor Shesterkin suffered a season-ending injury on October 9.

The Kings will complete their five-game road trip in Chicago on Tuesday at 5 p.m. PT.