The New York Rangers head into the postseason with momentum, closing their regular season with a decisive 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Rookie forward Tye Kartye was the story of the game, erupting for two goals and an assist to lead the charge.

Kartye set the tone early, opening the scoring just over four minutes into the first period. He then netted his second of the night early in the second, securing his first career multi-goal game in the NHL. His assist on Gabe Perreault’s goal minutes later capped a stellar three-point night, a personal milestone for the young forward.

The Rangers' offense was bolstered by a power-play goal from Mika Zibanejad, who also tallied an assist, helping to snap a three-game skid. In net, Dylan Garand was solid with 29 saves in his first start in nearly three weeks.

Facing a Rangers team playing for pride, the playoff-bound Lightning opted to rest several key players. Oliver Bjorkstrand and veteran Corey Perry provided the Tampa Bay scoring, with Perry’s spinning backhand goal early in the third period cutting the deficit to two. The Lightning's power play, however, continued to struggle, going 0-for-3 and managing just one goal with the man advantage in their last 11 games.

With the regular season now in the books, both teams turn their focus to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Lightning will begin their first-round series at home against the Montreal Canadiens, while the Rangers await their postseason fate, hoping the confidence from this win carries forward.