KILL ZONE -The Rangers were 4-for-4 (8:00) on the penalty kill in tonight's game. The Blueshirts have not allowed a power play goal in four of the last five games (10-for-11; 90.9%), in six of the last eight games (19-for-22; 86.4%), and in nine of the last 12 games (34-for-39; 87.2%).
FIRST IN SCORE -New York recorded the first goal of the game for the third time in the last four contests and for the 27th time in 55 contests in 2018-19.
HITTING MACHINE -The Blueshirts were credited with 29 hits in tonight's game, including 14hits in the first period. The Rangers have registered at least 20 hits in 47 of 55 games this season, including 36 of the last 40 games.
Three Stars on Broadway
Alexandar Georgievestablished a single-game career-high with 55 saves, stopped all 23 shots he faced while the Rangers were shorthanded, made 21 saves in the first period, and stopped all 34 shots he faced over the final two periods to earn his eighth win of the season. He was selected as the game's First Star. Georgiev's 55 saves are the second-most a Rangers goaltender has made in a game in franchise history (since the NHL began to track saves in 1955-56);Mike Richter holds the Rangers' single-game franchise record for saves (59 saves on Jan. 31, 1991 at Vancouver). In addition, Georgiev's 55 saves are the most any Rangers goaltender has made in a game which ended in regulationin franchise history (since saves were first tracked), as well as the most saves a Rangers goaltender has made in a game at MSG in franchise history. He is the seventh Rangers goaltender who has made at least 50 saves in a game since the NHL began tracking the statistic in 1955-56 (along with Gump Worsley, Jacques Plante, Gilles Villemure, Glen Hanlon, Mike Richter, and Henrik Lundqvist). Prior to tonight's game, the last Rangers goaltender who made at least 50 saves in a game was Lundqvist, who did so on his birthday last season (Mar. 2, 2018 at Calgary). Georgiev celebrated his 23rd birthday today. Georgiev has allowed one goal in three of his last five NHL appearances (Jan. 12 at NY Islanders, Jan. 29 vs. Philadelphia, and tonight vs. Toronto).
Mats Zuccarellotallied two assists, both of which were primary assists, recorded three shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in 20:12 of ice time. Zuccarello was selected as the game's Second Star. He has registered a point in 10 of the last 11 games which he has played, and he has tallied 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) over the span. Zuccarello ranks second on the Rangers in primary assists (15), ranks third in assists (23), and ranks fourth in points (32) this season. Zuccarello has also logged at least 20:00 of ice time in each of the last eight games which he has played.
Adam McQuaidtallied a goal, tied for the game-high with three blocked shots, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating in 19:15 of ice time. He was selected as the game's Third Star. McQuaid has registered a goal/point in two of the last four games (two goals). He has posted a plus-six rating over the last nine games.
Blueshirt Breakdown
Chris Kreiderrecorded two assists and posted a plus-two rating. He has tallied a point in four of the last six games (two goals, three assists), and he has recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in the last 11 games. He ranks second on the Rangers in points this season (42). Kreider posted a multi-point game for the 12th time this season, including a multi-assist game for the fourth time in 2018-19.
Mika Zibanejadtallied a goal 28 seconds into the game, led all skaters with five hits, and tied for the team-high with four shots on goal in 20:53 of ice time. Zibanejad has tallied a point in five of the last six games and has recorded 10 points (six goals, four assists) over the span. He has also tallied a point in 10 of the last 12 games and has recorded 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in those contests. Zibanejad has registered a goal in seven of the last 10 games. He recorded his team-leading 54th point in tonight's contest, adding to his career-high. In addition, he has logged at least 20:00 of ice time in each of the last nine games and in 12 of the last 13 contests.
Jimmy Veseyregistered the game-winning goal, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating. He ranks third on the Rangers in even strength goals this season (11).
Kevin Hayestallied a goal, tied for the team-high with four shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in 21:03 of ice time. Hayes has recorded five points (three goals, two assists) in the last six games.
Ryan Strometallied an assist, was credited with two blocked shots, and posted a plus-one rating.
Brady Skjeitied a single-game career-high with a plus-three rating and tied for the game-high with three blocked shots in 20:52 of ice time.
