Rangers Seek to Extend Road Streak Against Scorching Lightning
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The Tampa Bay Lightning are on fire, boasting a 7-1-0 record in their last eight matches, and they will face a stiff test Wednesday night against the New York Rangers, the NHL's top road team. The Rangers, meanwhile, are seeking to extend their own impressive road record, which stands at 7-1-1. This matchup marks the first of three meetings between the two teams, including their regular-season finale on April 15. The Lightning have been playing with a sense of urgency, trying to ensure they don't meet their season's end in that final matchup. They have been on a roll, posting a 2-1-0 record on their recent three-game road swing and a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals upon their return home. Brandon Hagel, a forward acquired by the Lightning in March 2022, has found his scoring touch, tallying seven goals and six assists since Game 8. He scored the game-winner in Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Capitals. Hagel credits the team's ability to adapt to the time change and play immediately after returning home as a key factor in their success. In contrast, the Rangers have struggled at home but have been dominant on the road. They finally broke their home losing streak Monday night with a 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators, and they welcomed back center Vincent Trocheck, who missed 14 games with an upper-body injury. Trocheck had two assists and six hits in his return. The Rangers now face a challenging stretch of six games, five of which will be played on the road, starting with Wednesday's matchup against the Lightning.
