Rangers at Kings 3.25.17: Postgame Notes

Team Notes

• WINNING WAYS - The Rangers' 46 wins in 2016-17 are tied for the eighth-most in one season in franchise history (New York also earned 46 wins last season). The Blueshirts are tied for fourth in the NHL in wins this season. In addition, the Rangers rank third in the NHL - and lead the Eastern Conference - in wins since the start of the 2013-14 season (190). The Rangers' 190 wins since 2013-14 are the most in any four-season span in franchise history.
• BOUNCE BACK - Since Dec. 22, 2015, the Rangers have posted a 38-10-2 record in the game following a loss (regulation or overtime/shootout). New York has posted a 21-6-2 record in games following a loss in 2016-17.
• HOW THE WEST WAS WON - New York has posted a 21-5-0 record in games against Western Conference opponents this season, including an 11-1-0 record against teams in the Pacific Division. The Rangers lead all Eastern Conference teams in wins against teams in the Western Conference in 2016-17 and have earned at least one win against all 14 Western Conference teams this season.
• KING ME - The Rangers posted a shutout against the Kings for the first time since Dec. 18, 1996 (4-0 win at MSG; Rangers goaltender was Mike Richter). In addition, New York posted a shutout against the Kings in Los Angeles for the second time in franchise history (the first time was on Jan. 18, 1978 - 3-0 win, Rangers goaltender was Wayne Thomas.
• SPECIAL TEAMS - New York outscored Los Angeles, 1-0, on special teams in the game. The Rangers have posted a 19-5-0 record in games which they have outscored their opponent on special teams in 2016-17.
• POWER SURGE - The Blueshirts were 1-for-2 (2:48) on the power play in the contest. The Rangers have recorded at least one power play goal in six of the last eight games, tallying eight power play goals over the span (8-for-23; 34.8%).
• KILL ZONE - New York was 3-for-3 (4:44) on the penalty kill in the contest. The Blueshirts have posted a 31-8-0 record in games which they have not allowed a power play goal against this season.
• TWO GOOD - The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in regulation in 18 of the last 30 games and in 44 games this season. The Blueshirts have posted a 37-4-3 record in those 44 contests in 2016-17.
• ON POINT - A Blueshirts defenseman notched a point on all of the team's three goals in the contest (one goal, two assists). Rangers defensemen have tallied 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists) over the last 21 games, and a Rangers defenseman has recorded a goal in 11 of the 21 contests. A Blueshirts defenseman has notched a point on 25 of the team's last 38 goals. At least one Rangers defenseman has registered 40 points in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2000-01 - 2002-03.
• WINNING ON THE WEEKEND - The Rangers have posted a 21-5-1 record in weekend games this season, including an 11-3-0 record in games played on a Saturday.

Three Stars on Broadway

• Antti Raanta stopped all 30 shots he faced to earn his 16th win and fourth shutout of the 2016-17 season. He added to his career-highs in appearances (30), wins (16), and shutouts (four) this season. In 26 starts this season, Raanta has posted a 16-6-2 record, along with a 2.13 GAA, a .927 SV%, and 4 SO. In addition, he has posted a 12-2-1 record, along with a 2.00 GAA, a .935 SV%, and 3 SO in 16 starts on the road in 2016-17. Raanta has made at least 30 saves in 23 games in his NHL career; he has posted a 19-2-2 record, along with a 1.86 GAA, a .948 SV%, and 4 SO in those contests.
• Derek Stepantallied the first goal of the game, which was the game-winning goal, tied for the game-high with five shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating. Stepan registered his 50th point of the 2016-17 season with his goal in the second period. The Rangers alternate captain has recorded at least 50 points in four consecutive seasons (2013-14 - 2016-17), and in five seasons in his NHL career (2011-12; 2013-14 - 2016-17). Over the last 25 seasons (since 1991-92), the only Rangers who have posted more 50-point seasons than Stepan are Brian Leetch (eight), Mark Messier (seven), and Adam Graves (six). He has tallied six points (two goals, four assists) in the last eight games.
• Ryan McDonagh tallied a power play goal and posted a plus-one rating while skating in a team-high 24:55 of ice time. The Rangers captain recorded his 40th point of the season with his power play goal, and he has reached the 40-point plateau twice in his NHL career (2013-14; 43). McDonagh is the 11th defenseman in franchise history who has tallied at least 40 points in two different seasons. He leads Rangers defensemen in points in 2016-17.

Blueshirt Breakdown

• Rick Nash registered an empty-net goal and posted a plus-one rating. Nash extended his goal/point streak to three games and he ranks third on the team in goals this season (21).
• Mats Zuccarello notched two assists and posted a plus-one rating. He leads the Rangers in assists (39), points (54), and even strength assists (32) this season, and he is the first Ranger who has registered at least 32 even strength assists in one season since Michael Nylander in 2006-07. Zuccarello has registered a point in six of the last seven games, tallying eight points (three goals, five assists) over the span. He is one assist away from tying his career-high (40; 2013-14). Zuccarello has tallied 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) in 26 games against Western Conference opponents this season.
• Mika Zibanejad tallied two assists, including a power play assist, won 10 of 20 faceoffs (50.0%), and posted a plus-one rating. He has recorded a power play assist/point in each of the last two games, and he has registered seven points (three goals, four assists) in the last 10 games.
• Brendan Smith recorded an assist on the game-winning goal and posted a plus-one rating in 16:33 of ice time. He has notched three assists/points in the last five games, and all three assists have been primary assists.
• Dan Girardi tallied an assist, led the Rangers with three hits, and posted a plus-one rating in 20:03 of ice time.