Mike Sullivan praises Noah Laba as Rangers beat Kraken 3-2 in OT (Image via: Getty Images) The New York Rangers wrapped up their four-game road trip with a hard-fought 3-2 overtime win against the Seattle Kraken. After a shaky start in Calgary, the Rangers responded with three straight victories, finishing the trip with renewed confidence and structure.What stood out most in Seattle was the steady rise of forward Noah Laba. The young winger has quietly become one of the Rangers’ most reliable performers, earning praise from head coach Mike Sullivan for his growth and composure. Laba’s improvement was on full display as he found the back of the net to help New York control the tempo early.
Mike Sullivan’s faith in Noah Laba paying off for the Rangers
Sullivan didn’t hold back in his assessment of Laba’s development. “His game keeps getting better right in front of us with every game that he plays,” Sullivan said. “He’s playing with so much confidence. He’s hungry, strong on pucks, and his speed is evident. He gets in on the forecheck, he wins a lot of foot races.”That confidence allowed Sullivan to reshuffle his lines effectively. Laba’s performance made it possible to reunite Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller, while Laba anchored a line with Will Cuylle and Alexis Lafrenière. The combination brought energy and balance, keeping the Kraken on their heels for most of the night.
NHL Highlights | Rangers vs. Kraken – November 1, 2025
Despite Brandon Montour’s equalizer in the second period, the Rangers stayed focused and executed their defensive plan. In overtime, Miller set up Cuylle for the winner, sealing a strong finish to the trip.
Solid defense and renewed confidence power Rangers’ comeback
Defensively, New York played one of its cleanest games of the season, allowing only 13 shots. Their positioning, puck management, and backchecking were sharp, reflecting a renewed commitment to team defense.This win was more than just two points—it was a statement of progress. The Rangers looked cohesive, confident, and disciplined, with young players like Laba stepping into bigger roles. After an up-and-down start to the season, New York seems to have found its identity again. They return home to face the Carolina Hurricanes with momentum firmly on their side and belief restored in the locker room.Also Read: “Doesn’t make a lot of sense”: Leon Draisaitl calls out referees over Mika Zibanejad’s controversial penalty in Oilers’ OT loss