The Rangers really tore the lid off with four goals in the second period against a haggard looking bunch from Florida for a 6-1 lead after two periods.
Derek Stepan scored his sixth goal of the season about six minutes into the period unassisted on a coast-to-coast skate just as the Panthers third power play of the night had ended without incident.
Steve Eminger added his second of the campaign six minutes later with assists from John Mitchell and Brian Boyle to put the Rangers on top, 4-1.
With three minutes left in the period, Marion Gaborik scored his 15th goal of the season to put the game out of reach, 5-1. Assists were awarded to Anton Anisimov and Derek Stepan.
To add insult to injury, the Rangers tacked another goal on just 55 seconds later with Derek Stepan’s second goal of the night, and seventh of the season with assists by Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik.
Hits: Florida, 10-8
Blocked Shots: Florida, 10-5
Faceoffs: Florida, 10-7
Shots: New York, 13-7
Score: Rangers 6, Panthers 1