NEW YORK (AP) — In a thrilling overtime showdown at Madison Square Garden, Vincent Trocheck scored just 24 seconds into the extra period, leading the New York Rangers to a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025. Trocheck’s game-winning goal not only secured the win but also kept the Rangers in the hunt for a playoff spot, as they now sit tied with the Montreal Canadiens at 79 points in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the arena, eager to witness a critical matchup between two teams vying for playoff positioning. The Rangers, coming off a decisive 6-1 victory against the San Jose Sharks, aimed to establish momentum, while the Wild were looking to bounce back from a tough shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Trocheck’s heroics capped off a night filled with back-and-forth action. The Rangers opened the scoring with a goal from Braden Schneider in the first period, which was quickly followed by goals from Artemi Panarin, K’Andre Miller, and Chris Kreider. Panarin, who leads the team, netted his 34th goal of the season, showcasing his offensive prowess.
However, the Wild were not to be outdone. After trailing 4-3 in the third period, Marco Rossi tied the game at 4 just 22 seconds into the final frame, igniting hopes for a comeback. Minnesota’s Gustav Nyqvist, Brock Faber, and Marcus Johansson also contributed to the scoring, but it was not enough to secure a win.
Filip Gustavsson, the Wild’s goaltender, faced a barrage of shots, making 34 saves throughout the contest. Despite his efforts, the Rangers managed to slip past him in crucial moments, particularly in overtime when Trocheck capitalized on an assist from Panarin.
“It was a great play by Artemi,” Trocheck said after the game. “I just had to get the right angle on it, and thankfully it went in.” The Rangers’ victory was a much-needed boost as they continue to fight for a playoff berth with only a handful of games left in the season.
On the other side, the Wild are now in a precarious position. Tied with the St. Louis Blues at 89 points for the first wild card in the Western Conference, they hold the tiebreaker due to more regulation wins. Mats Zuccarello, a veteran forward for Minnesota, expressed the frustration of the team’s recent struggles, stating, “Everyone behind us is winning, so obviously it’s nothing we’re happy about. It’s hard right now. Some mistakes end up in the back of our net. That happens.”
The Rangers’ special teams continue to be a point of concern, as they went 0 for 4 on the power play, extending their struggles to just two goals in their last 41 chances. This inefficiency could prove costly as the season winds down and every point becomes critical.
As the game concluded, the Rangers celebrated their victory, gesturing to the enthusiastic crowd that had rallied behind them throughout the match. The Wild, meanwhile, were left to ponder their missed opportunities, particularly after having a goal called back for goaltender interference earlier in the game.
Looking ahead, the Wild will face the New York Islanders on Friday, April 4, 2025, while the Rangers will head to New Jersey to take on the Devils on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Both teams know that every game counts as they push towards the playoffs.
In summary, the Rangers’ thrilling overtime victory not only showcased the skill and determination of their players but also highlighted the intensity of the race for playoff positions in the NHL. With both teams vying for crucial points, the excitement of late-season hockey is palpable.
