Robertson’s OT Heroics Snap Rangers’ Skid in Thrilling Comeback Over Bruins
Madison Square Garden had its share of drama Monday night, and it was Matthew Robertson who played the unlikely hero. The 22-year-old defenseman scored his first professional overtime-and game-winning-goal to lift the New York Rangers to a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins, capping off a gritty comeback in front of the home crowd.
For a Rangers team that had dropped three straight and was desperately searching for a spark, this one mattered. It wasn’t just about the two points in the standings-it was about finding a way to respond after weeks of frustration. And they did just that, clawing their way back against one of the league’s most consistent teams when playing with a lead.
Quick Hits a Milestone, Rangers Snap Skid
Veteran netminder Jonathan Quick turned back the clock with a 21-save performance, earning his first win since November 7. More than just a personal sigh of relief, this one had historical weight-Quick’s 408th career win moved him past Hall of Famer Glenn Hall for 12th on the NHL’s all-time wins list. It’s another notch in the belt of a goalie whose career has been defined by resilience and big-game moments.
The Rangers got goals from J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle in regulation, with Cuylle opening the scoring midway through the first period. He redirected a shot from Urho Vaakanainen at the point, giving the Rangers an early jolt of energy.
But that lead didn’t last long.
Pastrnak Hits 900-Point Milestone in Bruins Loss
David Pastrnak was all over the ice for Boston, racking up three assists and hitting a major career milestone in the process. His third helper of the night marked his 900th NHL point, making him just the sixth player in Bruins history to reach that plateau. Only Phil Esposito got there faster in a Bruins sweater.
Pastrnak also leapfrogged Rick Middleton to take over sixth place on Boston’s all-time scoring list-another feather in the cap for a player who’s been the heartbeat of this Bruins offense for years.
But as Pastrnak said postgame, the achievement came with a bitter taste.
“It’s always tough to enjoy these kinds of milestones when you don’t get the win,” he said. “I saw the ice well today, felt like I was going to be a disher. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the ‘W.’”
Bruins Let One Slip Away
Boston had this game in their hands. They held a 3-2 lead heading into the third period-territory where they’ve been almost automatic this season.
Prior to Monday, they were 24-0-2 when leading after two. Make that 24-1-2 now.
Elias Lindholm scored twice for the Bruins, including a rebound goal off a Pastrnak shot early in the second period that tied the game at 2-2. Morgan Geekie added his fourth goal in as many games with a sneaky short-side shot from the left circle, giving Boston that short-lived third-period edge.
But the Rangers didn’t fold.
With just over six minutes left in regulation, Borgen let one fly from the right point. The puck appeared to deflect off Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke and in, knotting the game at three and setting the stage for overtime.
Robertson Delivers in Overtime
Overtime was fast, frantic, and finished in style. Robertson, still looking for his first signature NHL moment, found it in front of a roaring Garden crowd. The young defenseman jumped into the play and buried the game-winner, giving the Rangers a much-needed boost and snapping a stretch that had seen them win just once in their previous 10 games.
It’s the kind of goal that can change a player’s trajectory-and maybe even a team’s season.
What’s Next?
For the Rangers, the win is more than just a morale boost-it’s a reminder of what they’re capable of when they stay aggressive and capitalize on their chances. For the Bruins, it’s a rare stumble in closing time, and a game they’ll likely view as one that got away.
But Monday night belonged to Robertson and the Rangers. A rookie defenseman stepping up in the clutch, a veteran goalie etching his name deeper into the record books, and a team refusing to go quietly-that’s the kind of hockey New York fans can rally around.