Mike Sullivan doesn't hold back while discussing Alexis Lafreniere's performance during 3-2 OT loss

Head coach Mike Sullivan highlighted Lafrenière's performance after the 3-2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, calling it «one of his better games of the year.» The 24-year-old winger rewarded that praise with a timely second-period goal, to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead. It was the kind of assertive, instinctive finish the Rangers want to see more consistently from him.

Lafrenière drove play at even strength, attacked seams with confidence and worked well alongside Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. Sullivan noted that the young forward looked decisive with the puck, hunting offense while maintaining structure, something the staff has been pushing him to blend into his mature game.

Despite Lafrenière's strong night, the momentum shifted late. The Golden Knights tied the game in the final minutes after controversial matching minors altered the defensive setup for New York. Overtime brought more frustration as a missed tripping call on Matthew Robertson preceded Vegas' winning goal.

It was encouraging to see Lafrenière seize the moment. Games like this remind you why he was drafted first overall. He looked dangerous, engaged and confident, even as the night slipped away from the team. Sullivan clearly believes more performances like this are coming, and Lafrenière backed that optimism with real impact.

If he keeps stacking efforts like Sunday's, the Rangers will be in a far better place once their lineup finally gets healthy.