Rangers Recap: Lafrenière’s Hat Trick Lifts Rangers Past Islanders, 5-2

The New York Rangers played host to the New York Islanders for the first meeting of the 2026-27 season between the Empire State rivals. The Rangers came into this one riding a three-game win streak and looked to keep it going against the Islanders, who were riding high following a 6-0 win over the New Jersey Devils. It would be a special night for Cole Beaudoin, who made his NHL debut and helped make the Rangers one of the youngest teams in the NHL. With Joe Veleno on injured reserve, Beaudoin would slot in as the fourth-line center, with the…