Kakko scores to take the lead, a breakdown
What Happened
Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers takes the puck in the offensive zone, with the game tied late in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kakko recognizes that the Lightning defenders have overcommitted on the left side, leaving him wide open on the right side of the net. He receives a quick pass and calmly slots the puck past the sprawling Lightning goaltender to give the Rangers the lead. The young Rangers forward line, known as the "kid line," has been dominating the Eastern Conference Finals series against the defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning. Kakko, along with his linemates Alexis Lafrenière and Filip Chytil, have been driving the Rangers' offense and causing problems for the experienced Lightning defense. "The kids, the kids, the kids. Power of the kids," says the analyst, clearly impressed by the performance of the young Rangers stars. The goal gives the Rangers a crucial late lead in a tight, back-and-forth game against their fierce divisional rivals. The Rangers' bench erupts in celebration as Kakko's goal puts them in position to take a valuable Game 1 victory. The 21-year-old Finn has emerged as a key contributor for the Rangers in this playoff run and his clutch goal here showcases his growing confidence and skill. The Lightning players on the ice look dejected, with one defender shown regretting his failed attempt to block the shot. The Rangers' coaching staff, led by head coach Gerard Gallant, can be seen pumping their fists, knowing their young stars have delivered another important playoff moment. "Goalie thinking, damn, that sucked," the analyst quips, as the camera pans to the Lightning netminder, who appears frustrated by the defensive lapse that led to the decisive goal. As the final seconds tick away, the Rangers faithful at Madison Square Garden erupt in cheers, sensing their team is on the verge of taking an early series lead over the battle-tested Lightning. It's a signature moment for the Rangers' young core, who are proving they can rise to the occasion against the championship-pedigree Lightning.
Full Transcript
Click timestamps to jump to that momentWe're a hockey company.
We always have been.
The kid line for the Rangers is the real deal now.
I think it was the second game of the last series against the Hurricanes.
They got split up, and now they're just scoring goals
and putting the Lightning in a blender every time.
Look at this.
The Lightning are fully overcommitted on the left side of the rink.
Rangers realize that.
Not only do they got Fox over there, they got another guy too,
and she leaves Kako wide open.
And then the two Lightning defenders are now both going to merge to the puck,
and no one's going to pick up the two dudes behind them
because they realize they overcommitted,
so now they overcommit to correct.
And Rudd is going to try this, like, spin move, half-ass,
block the shot attempt, like block the pass or play the body.
It's just like a really kind of weak defensive move there.
Easy pass, easy goal.
The kids, the kids, the kids.
Power of the kids.
Kids, power.
Three Ninjas, one of the best closing credit songs in 90,
cinema history, maybe.
Goalie thinking, damn, that sucked.
Gross.
And I think it's nice that this guy on the right
knows exactly what he's going to look like when he grows up
because this, I'm guessing his father and son, basically twins,
just a little more weathered and gray.
And there you have it.
That is, look at this.
That's the same guy.
That's just, you just, you just, just for men, one dude.
And put them in the sun for a year.
Anyway, they're excited.
I'm happy for them.
I'm excited too.
Look at this pass.
Almost gets the skate.
Instead, it gets the net.
The Rangers.