FIRST IN SCORE - The Rangers have registered the first goal of the game in two of the last three contests.
Henrik Lundqvist was selected as the Third Star of tonight's contest, as he stopped 40 of 42 shots he faced in the game and made at least 10 saves in each period in the contest. He made at least 40 saves in a game for the 21st time in his NHL career; he has posted a 12-2-7 record, along with a 1.69 GAA, a .961 SV%, and 4 SO in those 21 contests. Lundqvist has allowed two goals or fewer in each of the last three games, posting a 1.36 GAA, a .959 SV% (94 saves on 98 shots), and 1 SO in those three contests.
Kevin Hayes registered the first goal of the game and recorded three shots on goal in tonight's contest. Since Hayes entered the NHL in 2014-15, 106 of his 132 career NHL points have either been a goal or the primary assist on a goal (80.3% of his points have been primary points). He led the Rangers in road points last season (30; 11 goals, 19 assists). Hayes has recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in his last four games against Columbus.
