NEW YORK RANGERS vs. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, 7:00 p.m. ET
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
Rangers: 36-20-6 (78 pts)
Blue Jackets: 26-29-8 (60 pts)
TONIGHT'S GAME
The
Rangers play their 63rd game of the 2015-16 season tonight, Feb. 29,
against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a Metropolitan Division matchup at
Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m. ET - TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN 98.7
FM). The Blueshirts are in second place in the Metropolitan Division and
third place in the Eastern Conference. New York has won four of its
last five games (4-1-0), nine of its last 12 games (9-2-1), 10 of its
last 14 games (10-3-1), and 12 of its last 17 games (12-4-1). The
Rangers have earned at least one point in 19 of their last 27 games
(17-8-2), including 18 of their last 25 games (16-7-2) and 17 of their
last 23 games (15-6-2). The Blueshirts enter the contest with a 36-20-6
record this season (78 points).
STAAL ABOARD
The
Rangers acquired Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 28.
Staal is one of only two NHL players who registered at least 30 assists
and 50 points in 10 consecutive seasons from 2005-06 - 2014-15 (along
with Martin St. Louis). In addition, he is one of only seven NHL players
who recorded 50 or more points in at least 10 different seasons since
he entered the NHL in 2003-04. The four-time NHL All-Star is a member of
the "Triple Gold Club", as he has won a Stanley Cup (2005-06), a gold
medal at the Olympics (2010), and a gold medal at the IIHF World
Championship (2007) in his career.
STAAL IN THE FAMILY
According
to the Elias Sports Bureau, the last time two brothers played with the
Rangers in the same game was during the 1996-97 season (Chris and Peter
Ferraro - last game in which they both played was Mar. 7, 1997 at
Anaheim). Other pairs of brothers who have played with the Rangers at
the same time include Bill and Bun Cook, Neil and Mac Colville, Lynn and
Muzz Patrick, and Don and Dave Maloney.
RANGERS VS. BLUE JACKETS
- All-Time: 12-8-1-1 (6-2-1-1 at home; 6-6-0-0 on the road)
- 2015-16:
Tonight's game is the third of four meetings between the Rangers and
Blue Jackets, and the second of two meetings between the two teams at
MSG. The Rangers have posted a 2-0-0 record (1-0-0 at home; 1-0-0 on the
road) against Columbus. The Rangers defeated the Blue Jackets, 5-2, in
the last meeting between the two teams on Oct. 10 at MSG. New York has
outscored Columbus, 9-4, thus far in the season series, including 4-0 in
the first period. Oscar Lindberg leads all skaters with three goals and
three points in the two contests. Henrik Lundqvist has posted a 2-0-0
record, along with a 2.00 GAA and a .944 SV% in two appearances.
Following tonight's game, the Rangers and Blue Jackets will face off
against each other on the following date: Apr. 4 (at Columbus).
- The
Rangers enter the contest with a five-game winning streak against the
Blue Jackets, dating back to Jan. 16, 2015. The winning streak is the
longest New York has posted against Columbus since the two teams began
playing against each other in 2000-01.
- The
Blueshirts have earned at least one point in six of their last seven
games against Columbus at MSG, dating back to Nov. 23, 2009 (5-1-1).
RANGERS-BLUE JACKETS CONNECTIONS
- The Rangers have two former Blue Jackets on their roster: Derick Brassard (2007-08 – 2012-13) and Rick Nash (2002-03 – 2011-12).
- Scott Arniel served as Blue Jackets Head Coach for parts of two seasons (2010-11 – 2011-12).
- The
Blue Jackets have three former Rangers on their roster: Brandon
Dubinsky (2006-07 – 2011-12), Justin Falk (2013-14), and Fedor Tyutin
(2003-04 – 2007-08).
- Blue Jackets Head Coach John
Tortorella served as Rangers Head Coach for parts of six seasons
(1999-00; 2008-09 - 2012-13) and as Rangers Assistant Coach for part of
one season (1999-00).
- Blue Jackets President of
Hockey Operations/Alternate Governor John Davidson played parts of eight
seasons with the Rangers (1975-76 – 1982-83), and served as TV Analyst
for 20 years on MSG Network (1986-2006).
INDIVIDUAL CAREER STATISTICS VS. BLUE JACKETS
- Henrik
Lundqvist - 12 GP, 8-3-1, 2.48 GAA, .919 SV% - Lundqvist enters the
contest with a personal five-game winning streak against Columbus,
dating back to Mar. 21, 2014 (1.78 GAA and .946 SV% over the span).
- Derek
Stepan - 11 GP, 5-7-12 - Stepan enters the contest with a six-game
point streak against the Blue Jackets (four goals, six assists).
- Keith
Yandle - 28 GP, 3-19-22 - Yandle has tallied an assist/point in five of
his last six games against the Blue Jackets (eight assists).
- Viktor
Stalberg - 20 GP, 11-6-17 - Stalberg has notched 15 points (nine goals,
six assists) in his last 14 games against Columbus.
LEAP YEAR
Tonight's
contest marks the first time the Rangers are playing a game at MSG on
Feb. 29 since 1988, when Brian Leetch made his NHL debut and tallied his
first career NHL assist/point in a 5-2 win against the St. Louis Blues.
HOME COOKING
The
Rangers have earned at least one point in 13 of their last 15 home
games (11-2-2), including 11 of their last 12 home games (9-1-2). New
York has posted a 21-5-2 record in its last 28 home games. The
Blueshirts have earned at least one point in 24 of their last 29 home
games (21-5-3) and in 25 of 31 home games in 2015-16 (22-6-3). The
Rangers rank second in the NHL in points (47) and are tied for second in
the NHL in wins (22) at home this season.
WINNING WAYS
The
Rangers rank second in the NHL in wins (13) and are tied for second in
the NHL in points (27) since Jan. 16 (13-5-1). The Rangers also
lead Eastern Conference teams in wins and points over the span. The
Blueshirts have not lost two consecutive games (regulation and overtime
losses included) since Dec. 17 - Dec. 20, 2015.
HIGH FIVE
The Rangers rank second in the NHL in goal differential at 5-on-5 in 2015-16 (plus-36).
FABULOUS FEBRUARY
The
Blueshirts have posted a 9-3-1 record in 13 games in February this
season and a 37-13-6 record in 56 games in February since the start of
the 2011-12 season. The Rangers are one win away from tying the
franchise record for most wins in February in one season (10; 1971-72
and 2014-15).
GOALS GALORE
The
Blueshirts are one of four NHL teams that have eight players who have
tallied at least 11 goals in 2015-16 (along with Florida, Ottawa, and
Washington). The Rangers rank sixth in the NHL in goals per game this
season (2.82).
TWO GOOD
The
Blueshirts have allowed two goals or fewer in nine of the last 12 games,
in 16 of the last 27 games, and in 36 games this season. New York has
posted a 31-3-2 record when allowing two goals or fewer in 2015-16.
THIRD PERIOD IS THE CHARM
The
Rangers have tallied at least one goal in the third period in 12 of
their last 14 games, including two or more goals in the third period in
eight of those contests (22 goals in the third period over the span).
New York ranks third in the NHL in third period goals this season (73).
ON POINT
Blueshirts
defensemen have registered 124 points (30 goals, 94 assists) in 2015-16
and have tallied 67 points (18 goals, 49 assists) over the last 33
games.
TAKING THE METRO
Beginning
with tonight's contest, each of the Rangers' next four games are
against Metropolitan Division opponents. The Rangers have earned at
least one point in 15 of 21 games against Metropolitan Division
opponents this season (11-6-4).
Including tonight's contest, nine of the Rangers’ final 20 games this season are against Metropolitan Division opponents.
GAMES REMAINING AGAINST METROPOLITAN DIVISION OPPONENTS
|
OPPONENT
|
GAMES REMAINING
|
Carolina
|
1
|
Columbus*
|
2
|
NY Islanders
|
2
|
Pittsburgh
|
3
|
Washington
|
1
|
*Includes tonight's game against Columbus
KING HENRIK
Henrik
Lundqvist has allowed two goals or fewer in 17 of his last 24
appearances, including 15 of his last 20 appearances and 14 of his last
18 appearances. He has posted a 14-5-1 record, along with a 1.93 GAA, a
.931 SV%, and 2 SO in his last 20 appearances, including a 13-5-0
record, along with a 1.82 GAA, a .936 SV%, and 2 SO in his last 18
appearances. Lundqvist has allowed two goals or fewer in eight of his
last 10 appearances, including one goal or fewer in five of his last
eight appearances (8-2-0 record, 1.69 GAA, .939 SV%, 2 SO in his last 10
appearances). Lundqvist has allowed nine even strength goals in 11
appearances in February, posting a .965 SV% at even strength during the
month. He leads the NHL in even strength SV% this season (.941).
NHL ALL-TIME WINS LIST
|
14. John Vanbiesbrouck
|
374
|
15. Andy Moog
|
372
|
16. Henrik Lundqvist
|
370
|
TOO HOT TO YANDLE
Keith
Yandle is the first Rangers defenseman to register at least 30 assists
and 20 even strength assists in one season since Brian Leetch in
2000-01. He is tied for fifth among NHL defensemen in even strength
assists (20) and primary assists (19), and is tied for eighth in assists
(31) in 2015-16. Yandle has recorded a point in 12 of the last 17 games
(two goals, 10 assists), including seven of the last nine games (seven
assists). He has notched a point in 33 of 62 games this season, and he
leads the Rangers in games with a point. Yandle is one of five NHL
defensemen who have tallied at least 30 assists, 20 even strength
assists, and 10 power play assists in 2015-16 (along with Erik Karlsson,
John Klingberg, P.K. Subban, and Ryan Suter).
HEY HEY HAYES
Kevin
Hayes has tallied a point in six of the last nine games, recording
eight points (four goals, four assists) over the span. He has also
registered 10 points (four goals, six assists) in the last 16 games and
13 points (five goals, eight assists) in the last 22 games.
CAPTAIN MAC
Ryan
McDonagh is one of two NHL defensemen who have registered at least
eight goals, 27 points, and a plus-16 rating this season (along with
Drew Doughty). The Rangers captain has tallied 10 points (three goals,
seven assists) in his last 16 games, and he leads Blueshirts defensemen
in goals (eight) and plus/minus rating (plus-16) in 2015-16.
BRASS BONANZA
Derick
Brassard has tallied 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) and has
posted a plus-10 rating in the last 14 games. Brassard has established a
career-high - and leads the Rangers - in goals this season (22). He has
recorded 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) and a plus-19 rating in 30
games at MSG this season.
STEP-AN UP
Derek
Stepan has tallied eight points (four goals, four assists) in the last
nine games. He has recorded 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in the
last 23 games, including 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in the last
19 contests. The Rangers have posted a 33-15-4 record in games which
Stepan has played this season, including a 20-2-2 record in games which
he has notched a point in 2015-16.
FINE KLEIN
Kevin
Klein has recorded the game-winning goal in two of the last four
contests. Seven of his 15 goals since the start of the 2014-15 season
have been game-winning goals, and he is tied for third among NHL
defensemen in game-winning goals over the span. In addition, he is tied
for first among NHL defensemen in plus/minus rating since the start of
the 2014-15 season (plus-39; tied with Ryan McDonagh). The Rangers have
posted a 32-13-4 record in games which Klein has played this season,
including a 10-1-0 record in games which he has notched a point and a
6-0-0 record in games which he has tallied a goal.
KREID-ING HIGH
Chris
Kreider has registered a goal in each of the last two games and has
tallied 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in his last 19 contests.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Power Play:
- The Rangers were 1-for-3 (2:05) on Feb. 27 at Dallas.
- The Blueshirts have recorded a PPG in five of the last eight games (6-for-19; 31.6%).
Penalty Kill:
- The Rangers were not shorthanded on Feb. 27 at Dallas.
UPCOMING MILESTONES
- Dan Boyle - 2 points away from 600 in his NHL career
INJURIES (64 Man-Games Lost to Injury)
- Rick Nash (bone bruise; injury suffered on Jan. 22) - week-to-week
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
- Feb. 23 - Recalled Brady Skjei from Hartford (AHL)
- Feb. 24 - Assigned Brady Skjei to Hartford (AHL)
- Feb.
28 – Acquired Eric Staal from Carolina in exchange for Aleksi Saarela, a
second round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, and a second round pick
in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft; Assigned Marek Hrivik to Hartford (AHL)
THIS DAY IN RANGERS HISTORY
· Feb.
28, 1929 – John Ross Roach registers his 13th shutout of the 1928-29
season in a 0-0 tie against the Chicago Blackhawks. Roach still holds
the Rangers single-season record for shutouts.
· Feb.
28, 1963 – Gump Worsley earned his 200th career NHL win as the Rangers
defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 6-1. Worsley became the first
goaltender to earn 200 wins with the Rangers in franchise history.
· Feb. 28, 1988 – The Rangers signed Mike Richter to his first NHL contract.
· Feb.
28, 1994 – Mike Richter earned his 100th career NHL win, making 26
saves as the Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-1, at MSG.
· Feb.
28, 2001 – Brian Leetch registered his 200th career NHL goal as the
Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers, 4-2, at MSG. Leetch became the
first defenseman to tally 200 goals with the Rangers in franchise
history. In addition, he became the 15th defenseman in NHL history (at
the time) to register 200 career goals.
· Feb.
29, 1988 – Brian Leetch made his NHL debut and registered his first
career NHL assist/point as the Rangers defeated the St. Louis Blues,
5-2, at MSG.
· Feb.
29, 2004 – Mark Messier recorded his 679th career point as a Ranger,
passing Walt Tkaczuk for sole possession of fifth place on the
franchise’s all-time points list.
Who: New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Where: Madison Square Garden
When: Monday night at 7:00 PM
Watch: MSG Network beginning at 6:30 PM
Listen: ESPN-98.7 FM and NewYorkRangers.com
************************************
The Skinny:
The NHL’s trade deadline will have passed by time the Rangers (36-20-6, 78 pts) host the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets (26-29-8, 60 pts) Monday night at Madison Square Garden. How the lineups of these two Metropolitan Division foes will be affected will not be fully known until Monday afternoon, but the Rangers will most definitely have one new face on the ice. Veteran forward Eric Staal will make his Rangers debut after being traded by the Carolina Hurricanes to New York Sunday afternoon. How he will be deployed by head coach Alain Vigneault is unknown, but likely it will be a top-six role with a spot on the power play for the 31 year-old who has scored 20 or more goals nine times during his impressive career. That would mean most likely Jesper Fast would slide down into a bottom six role, though that is just speculation since Vigneault has not spoken to the media since the trade. Staal is versatile and experienced, can play on the wing or at center, and is hungry for a crack at the Stanley Cup, something that has not been the case in quite some time with Carolina. He can expect a warm, and loud, welcome from the Blueshirts Faithful on Monday night. Staal joins a Rangers team that won back to back road games in St. Louis, 2-1 on Thursday, and Dallas, 3-2 on Saturday. Overall the Rangers have won four of their last five and are 9-2-1 in their last 12 contests. This will be their only stop at The Garden in a two-week span where they play five of six on the road. At home this season the Blueshirts are an impressive 22-6-3, the third best home mark in the entire NHL. The Rangers will be facing their former coach John Tortorella for the first time since he took over as head coach of Columbus in late October after the Blue Jackets stumbled out of the gate by losing their first seven games under former coach Todd Richards. It took awhile but Tortorella has the Blue Jackets playing much better hockey of late. Columbus is 9-2-4 in its last 15 games overall following Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Florida Panthers and 5-1-2 in its last eight on the road. Former Ranger Brandon Dubinsky, who netted the shootout winner Saturday, has a four-game point-scoring streak as well as 14 points (5-9-14) in his last 16 games, while rookie Joonis Korpisalo has done a solid job filling in for injured goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, posting a .919 save percentage in 23 appearances this season.
Head To Head:
After playing in back to back games the first week of the season the Rangers and Blue Jackets have not faced one another since. The Rangers won both of those games, 4-2 in Columbus on October 9, and 5-2 in their 2015-16 home-opener the very next night at Madison Square Garden. New York rallied from a 2-1 third-period deficit to win on the road in Columbus with Mats Zuccarello scoring his first two goals of the season and Henrik Lundqvist making 23 saves. Then the next night at The Garden the Rangers raced out to a 5-0 lead with Oscar Lindberg scoring twice and Lundqvist finished with 37 saves. Lindberg has three goals in two games against the Blue Jackets this season, while Zuccarello (2-0-2), Derek Stepan (1-1-2), Derick Brassard (1-1-2), J.T. Miller (0-2-2), Viktor Stalberg (0-2-2) and Keith Yandle (0-2-2) all have recorded two points. The Rangers have also killed nine of ten Columbus power plays so far in the season series, which continues Monday at MSG and then concludes April 4 in Columbus. Last season the Rangers won three of four games against the Blues Jackets, including a pair at The Garden—one in the shootout and the other in overtime. In that 4-3 OT win on April 6 Stepan tied things up in the final minute of regulation and then won it in overtime with his second goal of the game.
Players To Watch:
Rangers-Eric Staal: After playing 909 games with the same team over his NHL career Eric Staal starts over with his new team Monday night, making his Rangers debut after being acquired from Carolina on Sunday. It will be curious to see how quickly the Hurricanes second all-time leading scorer adjusts to playing with a new team in a bigger market and under more pressure in New York. Considering he is 31 years-old, been captain of his team for seven seasons, won a Stanley Cup championship and an Olympic gold medal, and has been rumored to be dealt out of Carolina for several months chances are that Staal will adapt quite fine to being a New York Ranger. And it certainly will not hurt that his younger brother, Marc, is there to be his Rangers teammate. Staal give head coach Alain Vigneault plenty of options in that he can play center or on the wing. Likely he will play wing with either Derek Stepan or Derick Brassard in a top-six role, but take some important face offs, as well. Staal will also likely be immediately put on the team’s inconsistent power play where he has scored 105 of his 322 career goals. He has struggled this season offensively—scoring just ten goals, only one of which came on the power play, and totaling 33 points—but the Rangers are banking on Staal being “energized”—in the words of general manager Jeff Gorton--by this trade to a serious Cup contender. It all begins for him on Monday night, this next chapter, though the final word on the success of this deal won’t come until later this spring when the playoffs are completed.
Blue Jackets-Brandon Saad: Monday may be trade deadline day in the NHL, but the most important move the Blue Jackets made recently occurred last summer when they acquired 23 year-old winger Brandon Saad from the Chicago Blackhawks. Already a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Saad brings a winning pedigree to Columbus along with offensive skill and a high hockey I.Q. Saad leads the Blue Jackets with a career-high 24 goals—his second straight 20-goal season—and he is second on the team with 40 points, his third straight 40-point campaign. His six game-winning goals lead the team and his five power play tallies are tied for third most. He has scored goals in back to back games and has netted three in the past four games and five in his past eight. Saad has one goal in two games against the Rangers this season.
Feb 29 - 8:51am by JimCerny
