Lafreniรจre scores 2nd of season, Rangers beat Capitals 4-1
New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenire (13) scores a goal past Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Washington. Also seen are Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) and Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93). Lafreniรจre scored his second NHL goal, Panarin had two assists and the Rangers made the best of a new-look lineup, beating the Washington Capitals 4-1 Saturday for their second consecutive victory. Panarin set up Lafreniรจre on the doorstep late in the second period, and his shot provided the rebound for Chris Kreider's power-play goal in the first. Zibanejad's goal was just his second since last season after scoring 41 in 57 games in 2019-20.
NY Rangers select Lafreniere with No. 1 pick in NHL draft
Alexis Lafreniere wanted to take the stage at Montrealโs Bell Centre near his home and hear his name announced at the NHL draft. From suburban Montreal, he was the first to earn both Canadian Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League MVP honors in consecutive seasons since Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby in 2004 and โ05. The Los Angeles Kings then selected Ontario Hockey League center Quinton Byfield with the second pick. It was an NHL draft like no other, the first one held in October, with teams selecting remotely from their home cities. โItโs pretty crazy and surreal,โ said Sanderson, the son of former NHL forward Geoff Sanderson, and the first American and defenseman selected.
NHL set for virtual draft; Lafreniere in line as top pick
โThe Rangers are a really big organization, a really good team,โ said Lafreniere, who turns 19 on Sunday. โWeโve gone through multiple scenarios, weโve had multiple mock drafts,โ Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. โItโs certainly been a challenge,โ Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said. โEverybodyโs had to adjust.โFlames general manager Brad Treliving said it will be a change conducting the draft remotely. โWeโve talked with other GMs from other sports that have had to go through this,โ San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said.
Red Wings select D Moritz Seider at 6th overall in 2019 NHL draft
The Detroit Red Wings have selected German defenseman Moritz Seider at 6th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. It's a suprising pick for new Detroit GM Steve Yzerman. Seider was not expected to go this high in the draft. Rounds 2-7 will resume Saturday at 1 p.m.Center Jack Hughes, of the U.S. National Development Program in Plymouth, was selected 1st overall by the Vancouver Canucks. Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko was taken 2nd by the New York Rangers.