Tarasenko scores quickly in debut as Rangers win

AROUND THE NHL

The newest Ranger, Vladimir Tarasenko (91), celebrates with teammates after scoring during the first period of Friday’s victory against the Kraken. FRANK FRANKLIN II — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Vladmir Tarasenko scored early in his New York debut, Kaapo Kakko and Vincent Trocheck each had a goal and an assist, and the Rangers beat the Seattle Kraken 6-3 on Friday night for their fourth straight win.

Tarasenko paid quick dividends in his first game with his new team after being trade by St. Louis, converting a pass from fellow Russian Artemi Panarin past Jones just 2:49 into the contest. It was his 11th goal of the season and sent the home crowd into hysterics with many thunderously chanting Tarasenko’s name.

Ryan Lindgren also had a goal and an assist, and Jacob Trouba and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers.

MAPLE LEAFS 3, BLUE JACKETS 0 >> John Tavares scored twice and Ilya Samsonov stopped 30 shots for his third shutout of the season as Toronto snapped a three-game road losing streak.

Pierre Engvall also scored and Mitch Marner added two assists for the Maple Leafs, and Joonas Korpisalo had 41 saves for last-place Columbus.

KIngs sign goalie >> Goaltender Pheonix Copley signed a one-year extension with the Kings worth $1.5 million.

Copley’s 15 wins since making his Kings debut on Dec. 6 are the most in the league over the past two months. He is 15-3-1 with a 2.92 GAA and .897 save percentage in 20 games this season.