Celebrations were in the air after Rangers center Alex Wennberg’s overtime performance led the Blueshirts to a 5-4 win over the Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday.
When Wennberg, 29, and the Rangers won in Sunrise, Florida, to take a 2-1 series lead, the veteran NHL player’s wife, Felicia, celebrated his game-winning goal with an outdoor viewing party, she said in a post shared to her Instagram Story.
Sunday’s goal was Wennberg’s second as a member of the Rangers, his first coming in March after being traded to the Kraken.
The goal in the Rangers’ Game 3 win against the Panthers. Felicia Wennberg/Instagram
“I feel like as a team it doesn’t matter who the hero is or who did it,” Wennberg said. “We’re all playing for each other. We might not be scoring the same numbers, but as a team we do everything together and we have an end goal. So, obviously it’s a great feeling and it gives me confidence, but I’m happy for the team.”
Winger Alexis Lafreniere and center Barclay Goodloe each scored two goals in regulation to give the Rangers a 4-2 lead early in the third period.
On Sunday, the Panthers stormed back, taking 108 shots to the Rangers’ 44, sending the game into overtime.
Wennberg then deflected a shot from defenseman Ryan Lindgren to end the game.
Erik Gustafsson in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals
May 26, 2024 Panthers. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
“When you see the puck go in the goal, it’s an explosion of energy,” Wennberg said. “An explosion of all kinds of joy.”
The Wennbergs cherish their time on Broadway, and Felicia commemorated the move on social media in March as the couple’s 2-year-old son, Rio, prepares to become a big brother.
“Hello NYC & @nyrangers 💙🗽 I moved to Seattle when I was 32 weeks pregnant. It only seemed fitting to move again when I was 37 weeks pregnant and giving birth to a baby girl. Nothing gets you into the hockey life like having a baby in a new city.” She started on Instagram.
“So proud of @alexanderwennberg for reaching 700 games as a Ranger and me for not giving birth on an overnight flight. Tell me which is more impressive.”
Felicia Announces the birth of daughter Ivy A few days later.
The Post follows Rangers coverage in the NHL playoffs
“We are so lucky to be your parents and you are so lucky to have the best big brother,” she said emotionally at the time.
Wennberg made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets in 2014.
Rangers in March 2024. NHLI via Getty Images
He signed a one-year contract with the Panthers during the 2020 free agency period.
A year later, Wennberg agreed to a three-year contract with the Kraken.
Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers will begin Tuesday at 8 p.m.
