Rangers at Hurricanes 3.9.17: Postgame Notes

Team Notes

• TOP TEN - In tonight's game, Mika Zibanejad became the 10th Ranger to tally at least 10 goals this season. As of the conclusion of tonight's game, the Blueshirts are one of four NHL teams that have 10 players who have registered 10 or more goals thus far in 2016-17 (along with Calgary, Minnesota, and Washington).
• SHOOTING GALLERY - The Rangers recorded 43 shots on goal in tonight's contest, as 16 of 18 skaters registered at least one shot on goal. The Rangers' 43 shots on goal were one shy of their single-game season-high in 2016-17 (44; Feb. 2 at Buffalo), and New York recorded at least 40 shots on goal for the fifth time this season. The Blueshirts have recorded at least 30 shots on goal in eight of the last 11 games, in 14 of the last 20 contests, and in 19 of the last 27 games. The Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello line recorded 17 of the Rangers' 43 shots on goal in tonight's contest. A Ranger has registered at least eight shots on goal in each of the last three games (Stepan - 10 shots on goal tonight; Kreider - eight shots on goal on Mar. 7 at Florida; Nash - eight shots on goal on Mar. 6 at Tampa Bay).
• CLOSE CALL - Since Jan. 7, 16 of the Rangers' 27 games have been decided by one goal.
• TAKE IT AWAY - New York was credited with 14 takeaways in tonight's game, and 12 different Rangers recorded at least one takeaway in the contest.
• Mika Zibanejadregistered two power play goals, recorded three shots on goal, and was credited with two hits in 18:20 of ice time. He tallied two power play goals in one game for the first time in his NHL career. Zibanejad has recorded three goals/points in the last three games, as well as five points (four goals, one assist) in the last seven contests.
• Chris Kreidertallied two points (one goal, one assist), recorded the first goal of the game, and registered four shots on goal in tonight's contest. Kreider added to his career-high in goals (26) and tied his career-high in points (46 - he also registered 46 points during the 2014-15 season). Kreider leads the Rangers in power play goals (six) and is tied for the team lead in goals (26) this season. He has registered a goal/point in each of the last two games and in three of the last four contests, and he leads the Blueshirts in games with a goal this season (22). He has notched four points (three goals, one assist) in the last four games and 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in the last 19 contests. Kreider has registered at least 20 assists in each of the last four seasons (2013-14 - 2016-17).
• Derek Stepan recorded two power play assists, led all skaters and established a single-game career-high with 10 shots on goal, and was credited with one takeaway in 19:58 of ice time. Stepan is the first Ranger who has recorded 10 shots on goal in a game this season, and he is the first Ranger to register 10 shots on goal in a game since Rick Nash on Nov. 21, 2015 at Florida. He leads the Rangers in primary assists this season (23), and he is also tied for the team lead in assists (34), power play assists (12), and power play points (13) in 2016-17. Stepan has recorded seven assists/points in the last 14 contests.
• Ryan McDonagh notched a power play assist and recorded four shots on goal while skating in a game-high, 28:31 of ice time. The Rangers captain is tied for the team lead in power play assists (12) and power play points (13) this season, and he also leads team defensemen in assists (33) and points (36) in 2016-17. McDonagh's 33 assists this season are a career-high. He has led the Rangers in ice time in 60 of the 67 games he has played this season.
• Oscar Lindberg won four of six faceoffs (66.7%), was credited with three hits, and registered two shots on goal in 10:19 of ice time. He has won at least 50.0% of faceoffs he has taken in eight of the last nine games (52-for-87; 59.8%).
• Steven Kampfer tied for the game-high - and led the Rangers - with four hits and was credited with one blocked shot in tonight's contest.
• Brendan Smith led all skaters with three blocked shots, registered two shots on goal, and was credited with two hits in 20:39 of ice time.
• Mats Zuccarellotied for the game-high with two takeaways and registered three shots on goal while leading Rangers forwards with 21:05 of ice time.