Vladislav Gavrikov’s Goal Lifts Rangers to Overtime Victory Against Stars

In a thrilling overtime showdown at Madison Square Garden, Vladislav Gavrikov’s goal guided the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. The game took place on December 2, 2025, marking the Rangers’ fourth comeback win of the season.

Gavrikov’s Impact in Overtime

Gavrikov’s performance proved crucial especially after Adam Fox was sidelined. He logged an impressive 22:29 of ice time and netted the game-winning goal just over a minute into overtime. This milestone was his fifth goal of the season, contributing to a total of 12 points over 28 games.

Coaches and Player Reactions

Head Coach Mike Sullivan expressed surprise at Gavrikov’s offensive contributions, noting his primary strength in defense. “He’s hard to play against and one of the better defensemen in the league,” Sullivan remarked. Goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin also praised Gavrikov, stating, “He’s a great defenseman, and he can play offense.”

Team Dynamics Without Adam Fox

With Fox’s absence, Gavrikov acknowledged that the entire defensive unit must elevate their performance. “Every single one of the ‘D’ has to step up,” he stated, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility.

Game Highlights

• The Stars opened the scoring in the third period, taking a 2-1 lead with a goal from Mikko Rantanen.
• In a determined response, the Rangers forced overtime when Will Cuylle scored off a rebound with just 2:13 left in regulation.
• Despite losing Tyler Seguin to a collision early in the game, the Stars maintained competitive pressure.

Power Play Performance

The Rangers’ power play struggled, managing only four shots in the first three chances. However, they showed resilience with a strong penalty kill, successfully defending against both of the Stars’ power plays.

Conclusion

This victory not only showcased Gavrikov’s rising influence on the Rangers but also highlighted the team’s ability to adapt in challenging situations. Their next challenge will be to sustain this momentum as they continue through the season.