Rangers’ point streak is ended at 10 by Avalanche as Lehkonen scores with 15 seconds remaining.

The New York Rangers, riding high on a 10-game point streak, suffered a devastating blow on January 26, 2025, as they fell to the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 in a thrilling and high-stakes contest. What had started as a game that could potentially extend their point streak to 11 ended in heartbreak. With just 15 seconds remaining in the third period, Colorado forward Artturi Lehkonen scored the game-winning goal, crushing the Rangers’ hopes of earning a crucial point and ending their impressive streak.

For the Rangers, who had battled through adversity and momentum shifts in recent weeks, this loss came as a bitter reminder of how quickly things can unravel in the NHL. The game had all the makings of a hard-fought battle, but as the clock wound down, a defensive lapse allowed Lehkonen to seize the moment and deliver a crushing blow to the Rangers’ playoff hopes.

Head coach Peter Laviolette, who had seen his team push through a period of inconsistency to build an impressive point streak, was left to pick up the pieces after what was a hard-fought but ultimately heartbreaking defeat. The Rangers had battled valiantly throughout the game, showing their resilience in tying the game after being down multiple times, but the late goal was the final gut punch. With their point streak over, the Rangers’ playoff hopes were now more uncertain than ever.

The Rangers’ Point Streak: A Remarkable Run Comes to an End

Going into the game against the Avalanche, the Rangers were on one of their most impressive streaks of the season. With nine straight games in which they had either won or secured an overtime point, the team had put themselves back into the playoff conversation after what had been a rocky start to the season. The stretch, filled with hard-fought wins and gritty performances, had given the team renewed hope and momentum. For Laviolette and the players, it was a sign that they were beginning to gel and find their rhythm.

However, as much as the Rangers were riding high on that streak, they knew that every point would be crucial if they hoped to make a playoff run. With Colorado in town, they were facing a high-powered team that had proven time and time again that they could strike at any moment. The Avalanche, with their elite forward group and solid defense, presented a stiff challenge, but the Rangers were ready. They had been preparing for this kind of matchup for weeks, understanding that if they could get through teams like Colorado, they would be better positioned for the grind ahead.

The Rangers had earned respect with their performances on the road and at home, but the last 15 seconds of the game against the Avalanche would be the turning point in their season. The final goal by Lehkonen was a brutal reminder of how even the smallest mistakes can make all the difference in the NHL. It wasn’t just a loss; it was the end of a streak that had become symbolic of the Rangers’ renewed sense of purpose.

A Thrilling Back-and-Forth Game

As expected, the game was intense and physical from the start. Both teams came out aggressively, knowing the importance of the two points on the line. The first period saw Colorado capitalize on some early pressure with goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, putting the Rangers on their heels. However, New York responded with two goals of their own, with Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin finding the back of the net to tie the game heading into the second period.

The second period was more of the same. Colorado once again took the lead, but the Rangers responded with another quick goal. Alexis Lafrenière’s skill and perseverance were on full display as he was able to force a turnover in the offensive zone and score to tie the game at 3-3. The back-and-forth action was a testament to both teams’ competitive drive, as each side refused to give up the momentum.

But as the game wore on, it became clear that the Avalanche had the upper hand in terms of offensive firepower. Despite the Rangers’ tenacity, they were often forced to play catch-up. Colorado’s ability to score quickly after the Rangers had tied things up was a reminder of their depth and lethal nature. Yet, even as the Rangers seemed to be on the verge of giving up, they continued to battle and eventually managed to tie the game at 4-4 late in the third period, keeping their hopes of extending the streak alive.

The Final Moments: Lehkonen’s Heartbreaking Goal

With the score tied 4-4 and the clock ticking down, it appeared that the game was heading for overtime. A single point, which would have extended the Rangers’ point streak to 11 games, seemed within reach. The Rangers were holding on, trying to secure that all-important tie, but they could not keep the Avalanche from seizing their opportunity in the dying seconds.

The final sequence began with the Rangers trying to gain control in the defensive zone. After a neutral-zone turnover, the Avalanche quickly transitioned, pushing the puck up the ice with speed. Nathan MacKinnon, one of the league’s most dynamic players, was the catalyst, driving the puck into the Rangers’ end. As MacKinnon approached the net, he made a quick pass to Lehkonen, who was streaking towards the goal. With little time left on the clock and the Rangers’ defense scrambling to recover, Lehkonen took a quick shot from the left side and beat Igor Shesterkin high to the far post. The goal came with just 15 seconds remaining, and the arena fell silent as the Avalanche took a 5-4 lead.

For the Rangers, it was a heartbreaking way to lose. Just 15 seconds away from a point, they were now staring at a loss and the abrupt end of their point streak. Lehkonen’s goal was a perfect example of the Avalanche’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, a play that required precision and speed—and one that the Rangers were unable to stop. The loss left them stunned and disheartened, knowing that they had come so close to keeping their streak alive.

Laviolette’s Reaction: A Mixture of Disappointment and Resolve

Peter Laviolette’s post-game remarks reflected the devastation felt by the team. Although he recognized that his players had fought hard throughout the game, the crushing nature of the loss was undeniable. “It’s a tough one,” Laviolette said. “We were right there. We fought back, and we had our chances. But in the end, we didn’t execute when it mattered most, and they made us pay for it.”

Laviolette’s frustration was clear as he discussed the final moments. “We had a chance to get to overtime, to get that point. And to give up a goal like that, in the dying seconds, is tough to swallow,” he continued. “It’s a game we could’ve won, and we should’ve found a way to at least get the point. We need to learn from this. We can’t let games like this slip away.”

Despite the sting of the loss, Laviolette acknowledged that the Rangers had shown resilience. “We battled hard throughout the game. We came back multiple times. That shows a lot of character, but we have to be better, especially in those key moments.”

For Laviolette, the focus would quickly shift to the next game, but the emotional toll of the defeat would certainly linger. The loss not only ended the Rangers’ point streak, but it also served as a reminder of the precarious nature of their playoff hopes. The stakes were high, and with the loss, the Rangers were once again reminded of how difficult it is to maintain consistency in the NHL.

The Aftermath: What the Rangers Must Do Next

With the loss to Colorado, the Rangers’ playoff hopes now faced an even steeper uphill climb. The importance of securing every point in the standings had never been clearer, and the end of the point streak was a tough blow to their confidence. But as the Rangers regrouped, they knew that this loss wasn’t the end of the road.

Despite the defeat, the Rangers had demonstrated that they were capable of competing with some of the best teams in the league. Their offense had shown flashes of brilliance, and their resilience in coming back from deficits showed a determination that could help carry them forward. However, Laviolette’s comments about execution in critical moments were a reminder that the Rangers could not afford to let such lapses continue, especially against high-caliber teams like Colorado.

Moving forward, the Rangers would need to learn from this loss and ensure that they stayed focused in tight games. Every point was now vital, and the team could not afford to waste any more opportunities. The next stretch of games would be crucial in determining whether they could bounce back and reassert themselves as serious playoff contenders.