Alexis Lafreniere nets hat trick as Rangers down Islanders

Alexis Lafreniere recorded his third career hat trick and added an assist to lead the New York Rangers to a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Lafreniere scored in the second period before adding two empty-net goals in the final frame. The victory marked the Rangers' fourth consecutive win and pushed them to a 3-0-0 home record to open the campaign.

Oliver Bjorkstrand contributed two goals for the Rangers, including the game-winner on a power play late in the second period, while Igor Shesterkin stopped 17 shots. Bo Horvat and Calum Ritchie scored second-period goals for the Islanders, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov made 19 saves in his first appearance following dual knee surgeries.