CLOSE CALL -Five of the Blueshirts' last nine games, seven of their last 13 games, and 21 of the team's 43 games this season have been decided by one goal.
FIRST IN SCORE -The Blueshirts tallied the first goal of the game for the 22nd time in 43 games thus far this season.
SHOOTING GALLERY -The Rangers registered 30 shots on goal in tonight's contest, including 17 shots on goal in the third period, as 15 of 18 skaters recorded at least one shot on goal in the game.
HITTING MACHINE -The Rangers were credited with 37 hits in tonight's game, including 19 hits in the first period, and 17 of 18 skaters registered at least one hit in the contest. The Blueshirts have registered at least 20 hits in 37 of 43 games this season, including 26 of the last 28 games. In addition, the Rangers have been credited with 30 or more hits in 11 different games in 2018-19, including three of the last five contests.
Blueshirt Breakdown
Jesper Fastregistered a goal, led the Rangers with six hits, and posted a plus-one rating. He was selected as the game's Third Star. Fast has tallied a goal in each of the last two games, and he has registered five points (four goals, one assist) in the last seven games.
Kevin Shattenkirkrecorded a goal, tied for the game-high with six shots on goal, led all skaters with three takeaways, tied for the team-high with three blocked shots, and posted a plus-one rating while skating in a game-high 24:00 of ice time. He ranks third among Rangers defensemen in points this season (11; two goals, nine assists). He has registered 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 14 career games against the Islanders.
Ryan Strometallied a power play goal, which was the first goal of the game, recorded two shots on goal, and won seven of 14 faceoffs (50.0%). He has tallied a point in four of the last six games (three goals, one assist), including a goal in three of the last five contests.
Jimmy Veseynotched an assist in tonight's contest. He has recorded an assist/point in each of the last two games (two assists), and he has registered a point in nine of his last 16 games (two goals, eight assists). Thus far this season, 19 of Vesey's 22 points have either been a goal or the primary assist on a goal.
Filip Chytilrecorded an assist in tonight's game. He has tallied a point in 11 of his last 25 games (six goals, five assists over the span), and he has registered a point in all three games against the Islanders in 2018-19 (two goals, one assist).
Neal Pionktallied an assist and registered two shots on goal in 18:18 of ice time. He leads Rangers defensemen in assists (15) and points (20) this season.
Pavel Buchnevichrecorded an assist, registered two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating. He has tallied a point in 12 of 27 games he has played this season (seven goals, six assists).
Fredrik Claessonnotched an assist, was credited with four hits, and posted a plus-one rating in 19:55 of ice time. He has recorded an assist/point in two of his last three games (two assists). In addition, Claesson has registered a point in two of the Rangers' three games against the Islanders this season (one goal, one assist).
Henrik Lundqvistmade his 837th career NHL appearance in tonight's game, tying Hall of Famer Jacques Plante for 12th place on the league's all-time appearances list.
Mika Zibanejadtied for the game-high with six shots on goal in 22:30 of ice time.
Cody McLeodwas credited with four hits and was assessed a fighting major in tonight's contest.
