Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, 5:00 p.m. ET
Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
Rangers: 39-19-2 (80 pts)
Devils: 25-25-10 (60 pts)
TONIGHT'S GAME
The Rangers play their 61st game of the 2016-17 season and begin a back-to-back set tonight, Feb. 25, against the New Jersey Devils in a Metropolitan Division matchup at Prudential Center (5:00 p.m. ET - TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN 1050 AM). The Blueshirts have won eight of their last 10 games (8-1-1), as well as 11 of their last 15 contests (11-3-1), and enter the contest with a three-game point streak (2-0-1). The Rangers have posted a 39-19-2 record this season.
RANGERS VS. DEVILS
The Rangers' 39 wins in 2016-17 are tied for the second-most the team has earned through the first 60 games of one season in franchise history. The Blueshirts have earned at least 39 wins through the first 60 games of a season five times in franchise history (1971-72, 1972-73, 1993-94, 2011-12, 2016-17), and the only season in which the Rangers earned more than 39 wins through the first 60 games was 1972-73 (40). The Blueshirts are tied for second in the NHL in wins this season. Entering 2016-17, the Rangers were one of five NHL teams that earned 40 or more wins in at least nine different seasons since 2005-06.
ROAD WARRIORS
New York leads the NHL in road wins this season (20) and also leads the NHL in road wins since the start of the 2013-14 season (92). The Blueshirts have won nine of their last 11 road games (9-2-0). The Rangers have also earned a win in 19 of their last 25 road contests (19-6-0), including 13 of their last 16 road games (13-3-0). The Blueshirts have earned at least 20 road wins in three of the last four seasons (since 2013-14), in six of the last eight seasons (since 2009-10), and in 13 seasons in franchise history.
ONE AND WON
Since Jan. 7, 12 of the Rangers' 19 games have been decided by one goal. The Rangers have earned at least one point in each of the last nine games they have played which were decided by one goal, dating back to Jan. 22 at Detroit (8-0-1). The Blueshirts have posted a 17-7-2 record in one-goal games this season. The Rangers have posted the second-best winning percentage in the NHL in one-goal games this season (.654).
GOALS GALORE
New York ranks second in the NHL in goals (200 - includes three team goals awarded for shootout wins) and ranks fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.28) this season. The Blueshirts tallied at least 200 goals within their first 60 games of a season for the first time since 1996-97.
TWO GOOD
The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in regulation in 11 of the last 15 games and in 37 of 60 games this season. The Blueshirts have posted a 31-4-2 record in those 37 contests in 2016-17.
THIRD PERIOD TALLIES
The Blueshirts lead the NHL in third period goals in 2016-17 (82) and are the only NHL team that has recorded at least 80 goals in any period thus far this season.
ON POINT
Rangers defensemen have tallied 12 points (five goals, seven assists) over the last six games, and at least one Rangers defenseman has recorded a goal in four of the six contests (Klein - Feb. 11 vs. Colorado; Girardi - Feb. 13 at Columbus; Holden - Feb. 16 at NY Islanders; McDonagh - Feb. 19 vs. Washington).
20/20 VISION
Two Rangers defensemen have tallied at least 20 even strength assists this season (McDonagh and Skjei), and it is the first time two Rangers defensemen have recorded 20 even strength assists in the same season since 1991-92 (Leetch and Patrick).
STAYING DISCIPLINED
New York has recorded the second-fewest penalty minutes in the NHL this season (416). The Rangers have been shorthanded three times or fewer in each of the last four games and in 15 of the last 17 contests.
FABULOUS FEBRUARY
The Rangers have posted a 28-6-4 record in 38 games in February since the start of the 2014-15 season, including an 8-1-1 record in games in February this season.
HOT AT THE DOT
The Rangers established single-game season-highs with 43 faceoff wins and a 67.2% faceoff win percentage (43-for-64) in their last game on Feb. 23 at Toronto. In addition, the Rangers won 23 of 29 faceoffs in the offensive zone in the contest (79.3%). The Blueshirts posted a 67.0% faceoff win percentage or better in a road game for the first time since Jan. 6, 2007 at Montreal.
COMEBACK KIDS
The Rangers have posted a 15-11-1 record in games which they have allowed the first goal of the game this season. The Blueshirts are tied for the NHL lead in wins when allowing the first goal of the game in 2016-17 (tied with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia). The Rangers have posted a 9-7-0 record in games which they have trailed entering the second period this season, and the Blueshirts are tied for fifth in the NHL with five wins when trailing entering the third period in 2016-17.
SHOOTING GALLERY
The Rangers recorded 38 shots on goal on Feb. 23 at Toronto, and all 18 skaters registered at least one shot on goal in the contest. The Blueshirts have registered at least 30 shots on goal in each of the last three games, in nine of the last 12 contests, and in 14 of the last 19 games.
WINNING ON THE WEEKEND
New York has posted a 17-3-1 record in weekend games this season, including an 8-2-0 record in games played on a Saturday.
TAKING THE METRO
Including tomorrow's game, 10 of the Rangers' final 22 regular season contests in 2016-17 are against Metropolitan Division opponents, and each of the Rangers' final three games in February are against teams in the Metropolitan Division.
RAISE THE ANTTI
Antti Raanta has posted an 11-3-0 record, along with a 2.11 GAA, a .928 SV%, and 2 SO in his 16 starts this season. Raanta has started nine road games in 2016-17, posting a 7-1-0 record, along with a 2.16 GAA, a .931 SV%, and 1 SO in those contests.
KING HENRIK
Henrik Lundqvist earned his 400th career NHL win on Feb. 11 vs. Colorado, becoming the 12th goaltender in NHL history to earn 400 career wins, as well as the first goaltender to earn 400 wins with the Rangers. Lundqvist, who earned his 400th career NHL win in his 727th career NHL appearance, became the fastest goaltender in NHL history to accomplish the feat. He also became the second goaltender in NHL history to earn all of his first 400 career wins with one franchise (Martin Brodeur - New Jersey). Lundqvist has posted a 10-2-1 record, along with a 1.91 GAA, a .939 SV%, and 1 SO in his last 14 appearances.
Lundqvist enters the contest with 28 wins this season and 402 wins in his NHL career. He is two wins away from...
J.T. Miller has registered a point in 18 of the last 23 games, tallying 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) over the span, and he has posted two, seven-game point streaks during the stretch. Miller has established career-highs in assists (28), points (47), and game-winning goals (six) in 2016-17, and he leads the Rangers in points this season. In addition, he has notched a point in 30 of the Blueshirts' 39 wins this season.
SKJEI HEY KID
Brady Skjei has registered 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) and a plus-11 rating in the last 15 games (since Jan. 19), and he is the only NHL player who has recorded at least 11 points and a plus-11 rating over the span. He has also notched eight assists/points in the last 11 games, including seven assists/points in the last nine games. Skjei has tallied 22 even strength assists this season, becoming the first Rangers defenseman to tally at least 20 even strength assists in his rookie season since Brian Leetch in 1988-89.
UP FOR GRABS
Michael Grabner leads the NHL in even strength goals (25), ranks eighth in plus/minus rating (plus-28), and is tied for 10th in goals (26) this season. He ranks second in the NHL (min. 10 games played) in goals per 60 minutes of ice time this season (1.88). Grabner has skated in 101:54 of ice time while shorthanded this season, and the Rangers have only allowed five power play goals against while Grabner has been on the ice in 2016-17. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Grabner is the only NHL player who has logged at least 100 minutes of ice time while shorthanded and has been on the ice for five or fewer goals against while shorthanded this season.
HEY HEY HAYES
Kevin Hayes has recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) in eight games since returning from injury. He leads the NHL in shorthanded assists (five) and shorthanded points (six) this season, and he is the first Ranger who has tallied at least five shorthanded assists in one season since Mark Messier in 1996-97. Hayes has registered 43 points (15 goals, 28 assists) thus far in 2016-17. He has tied his career-high in assists this season, and he is two goals and two points away from tying his career-highs in those categories.
WELCOME MATS
Mats Zuccarello has recorded 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in the last 27 games, and he has tallied a point in 18 of the 27 contests. Zuccarello, who has tallied a shootout goal in each of the Rangers' last two games, is the franchise's all-time leader in shootout goals (19) and is tied for second in the NHL in shootout goals this season (four). He also ranks second in the NHL (min. five shootout shots) in shootout shooting percentage this season (80.0%; 4-for-5).
CAPTAIN MAC
Ryan McDonagh leads the Rangers in average ice time this season (24:22), and he leads team defensemen in assists (31) and points (34) in 2016-17. He is tied for fifth among NHL defensemen in games with an assist (27) this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Power Play:
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THIS DAY IN RANGERS HISTORY
- All-Time*: 113-89-27-8 (63-31-20-4 at home; 50-58-7-4 on the road) *Note: All-time record includes games against the Kansas City Scouts from 1974-75 - 1975-76 and the Colorado Rockies from 1976-77 - 1981-82
- 2016-17: Tomorrow's game is the third of four meetings between the Rangers and Devils, and the first of two meetings between the two teams in New Jersey. The Rangers have posted a 2-0-0 record (2-0-0 at home; 0-0-0 on the road) and defeated the Devils, 3-2, in a shootout in the last meeting between the two teams on Dec. 18 at MSG. The Blueshirts have outscored the Devils, 8-2, in the two contests. Chris Kreider leads all skaters with two goals and three points in the season series. Following tomorrow's contest, the Rangers and Devils will play against each other on the following date: Mar. 21 (at New Jersey).
- The Rangers have earned at least one point in 14 of their last 18 games against the Devils, dating back to Mar. 19, 2013 (12-4-2 record). New York has also earned at least one point in 11 of its last 13 contests against New Jersey, dating back to Dec. 7, 2013 (9-2-2 record).
- John Moore played parts of three seasons with the Rangers (2012-13 - 2014-15).
- P-A Parenteau played part of one season with the Rangers (2009-10).
- Kevin Hayes, Taylor Hall, and Beau Bennett were all selected in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
- Oscar Lindberg and Jacob Josefson represented Sweden at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championship.
- Adam Clendening and Taylor Hall were teammates with the Oilers for part of one season (2015-16).
- Cory Schneider's first NHL head coach was Alain Vigneault (Vancouver - 2008-09 - 2012-13).
- Kyle Palmieri is a native of Smithtown, NY.
- Antti Raanta - 3 GP, 3-0-0, 1.67 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO - Raanta stopped all 19 shots he faced to earn a win/shutout in his last appearance against New Jersey on Dec. 11, 2016 at MSG.
- Derek Stepan - 30 GP, 12-13-25 - Stepan has tallied a point in seven of his last 11 games against the Devils, registering 12 points (eight goals, four assists) over the span.
- Rick Nash - 19 GP, 8-2-10 - Nash has recorded a goal/point in six of his last 12 games against the Devils, tallying eight points (seven goals, one assist) over the span.
The Rangers' 39 wins in 2016-17 are tied for the second-most the team has earned through the first 60 games of one season in franchise history. The Blueshirts have earned at least 39 wins through the first 60 games of a season five times in franchise history (1971-72, 1972-73, 1993-94, 2011-12, 2016-17), and the only season in which the Rangers earned more than 39 wins through the first 60 games was 1972-73 (40). The Blueshirts are tied for second in the NHL in wins this season. Entering 2016-17, the Rangers were one of five NHL teams that earned 40 or more wins in at least nine different seasons since 2005-06.
ROAD WARRIORS
New York leads the NHL in road wins this season (20) and also leads the NHL in road wins since the start of the 2013-14 season (92). The Blueshirts have won nine of their last 11 road games (9-2-0). The Rangers have also earned a win in 19 of their last 25 road contests (19-6-0), including 13 of their last 16 road games (13-3-0). The Blueshirts have earned at least 20 road wins in three of the last four seasons (since 2013-14), in six of the last eight seasons (since 2009-10), and in 13 seasons in franchise history.
ONE AND WON
Since Jan. 7, 12 of the Rangers' 19 games have been decided by one goal. The Rangers have earned at least one point in each of the last nine games they have played which were decided by one goal, dating back to Jan. 22 at Detroit (8-0-1). The Blueshirts have posted a 17-7-2 record in one-goal games this season. The Rangers have posted the second-best winning percentage in the NHL in one-goal games this season (.654).
GOALS GALORE
New York ranks second in the NHL in goals (200 - includes three team goals awarded for shootout wins) and ranks fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.28) this season. The Blueshirts tallied at least 200 goals within their first 60 games of a season for the first time since 1996-97.
TWO GOOD
The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in regulation in 11 of the last 15 games and in 37 of 60 games this season. The Blueshirts have posted a 31-4-2 record in those 37 contests in 2016-17.
THIRD PERIOD TALLIES
The Blueshirts lead the NHL in third period goals in 2016-17 (82) and are the only NHL team that has recorded at least 80 goals in any period thus far this season.
ON POINT
Rangers defensemen have tallied 12 points (five goals, seven assists) over the last six games, and at least one Rangers defenseman has recorded a goal in four of the six contests (Klein - Feb. 11 vs. Colorado; Girardi - Feb. 13 at Columbus; Holden - Feb. 16 at NY Islanders; McDonagh - Feb. 19 vs. Washington).
20/20 VISION
Two Rangers defensemen have tallied at least 20 even strength assists this season (McDonagh and Skjei), and it is the first time two Rangers defensemen have recorded 20 even strength assists in the same season since 1991-92 (Leetch and Patrick).
STAYING DISCIPLINED
New York has recorded the second-fewest penalty minutes in the NHL this season (416). The Rangers have been shorthanded three times or fewer in each of the last four games and in 15 of the last 17 contests.
FABULOUS FEBRUARY
The Rangers have posted a 28-6-4 record in 38 games in February since the start of the 2014-15 season, including an 8-1-1 record in games in February this season.
HOT AT THE DOT
The Rangers established single-game season-highs with 43 faceoff wins and a 67.2% faceoff win percentage (43-for-64) in their last game on Feb. 23 at Toronto. In addition, the Rangers won 23 of 29 faceoffs in the offensive zone in the contest (79.3%). The Blueshirts posted a 67.0% faceoff win percentage or better in a road game for the first time since Jan. 6, 2007 at Montreal.
COMEBACK KIDS
The Rangers have posted a 15-11-1 record in games which they have allowed the first goal of the game this season. The Blueshirts are tied for the NHL lead in wins when allowing the first goal of the game in 2016-17 (tied with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia). The Rangers have posted a 9-7-0 record in games which they have trailed entering the second period this season, and the Blueshirts are tied for fifth in the NHL with five wins when trailing entering the third period in 2016-17.
SHOOTING GALLERY
The Rangers recorded 38 shots on goal on Feb. 23 at Toronto, and all 18 skaters registered at least one shot on goal in the contest. The Blueshirts have registered at least 30 shots on goal in each of the last three games, in nine of the last 12 contests, and in 14 of the last 19 games.
WINNING ON THE WEEKEND
New York has posted a 17-3-1 record in weekend games this season, including an 8-2-0 record in games played on a Saturday.
TAKING THE METRO
Including tomorrow's game, 10 of the Rangers' final 22 regular season contests in 2016-17 are against Metropolitan Division opponents, and each of the Rangers' final three games in February are against teams in the Metropolitan Division.
RAISE THE ANTTI
Antti Raanta has posted an 11-3-0 record, along with a 2.11 GAA, a .928 SV%, and 2 SO in his 16 starts this season. Raanta has started nine road games in 2016-17, posting a 7-1-0 record, along with a 2.16 GAA, a .931 SV%, and 1 SO in those contests.
KING HENRIK
Henrik Lundqvist earned his 400th career NHL win on Feb. 11 vs. Colorado, becoming the 12th goaltender in NHL history to earn 400 career wins, as well as the first goaltender to earn 400 wins with the Rangers. Lundqvist, who earned his 400th career NHL win in his 727th career NHL appearance, became the fastest goaltender in NHL history to accomplish the feat. He also became the second goaltender in NHL history to earn all of his first 400 career wins with one franchise (Martin Brodeur - New Jersey). Lundqvist has posted a 10-2-1 record, along with a 1.91 GAA, a .939 SV%, and 1 SO in his last 14 appearances.
Lundqvist enters the contest with 28 wins this season and 402 wins in his NHL career. He is two wins away from...
- passing Grant Fuhr for sole possession of 10th place on the NHL's all-time wins list
- passing Martin Brodeur for the most wins by a goaltender in his first 12 seasons in NHL history
- becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to earn 30 or more wins in 11 of his first 12 seasons, and the third goaltender in NHL history to earn at least 30 wins in 11 or more seasons (along with Brodeur and Patrick Roy).
J.T. Miller has registered a point in 18 of the last 23 games, tallying 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) over the span, and he has posted two, seven-game point streaks during the stretch. Miller has established career-highs in assists (28), points (47), and game-winning goals (six) in 2016-17, and he leads the Rangers in points this season. In addition, he has notched a point in 30 of the Blueshirts' 39 wins this season.
SKJEI HEY KID
Brady Skjei has registered 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) and a plus-11 rating in the last 15 games (since Jan. 19), and he is the only NHL player who has recorded at least 11 points and a plus-11 rating over the span. He has also notched eight assists/points in the last 11 games, including seven assists/points in the last nine games. Skjei has tallied 22 even strength assists this season, becoming the first Rangers defenseman to tally at least 20 even strength assists in his rookie season since Brian Leetch in 1988-89.
UP FOR GRABS
Michael Grabner leads the NHL in even strength goals (25), ranks eighth in plus/minus rating (plus-28), and is tied for 10th in goals (26) this season. He ranks second in the NHL (min. 10 games played) in goals per 60 minutes of ice time this season (1.88). Grabner has skated in 101:54 of ice time while shorthanded this season, and the Rangers have only allowed five power play goals against while Grabner has been on the ice in 2016-17. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Grabner is the only NHL player who has logged at least 100 minutes of ice time while shorthanded and has been on the ice for five or fewer goals against while shorthanded this season.
HEY HEY HAYES
Kevin Hayes has recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) in eight games since returning from injury. He leads the NHL in shorthanded assists (five) and shorthanded points (six) this season, and he is the first Ranger who has tallied at least five shorthanded assists in one season since Mark Messier in 1996-97. Hayes has registered 43 points (15 goals, 28 assists) thus far in 2016-17. He has tied his career-high in assists this season, and he is two goals and two points away from tying his career-highs in those categories.
WELCOME MATS
Mats Zuccarello has recorded 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in the last 27 games, and he has tallied a point in 18 of the 27 contests. Zuccarello, who has tallied a shootout goal in each of the Rangers' last two games, is the franchise's all-time leader in shootout goals (19) and is tied for second in the NHL in shootout goals this season (four). He also ranks second in the NHL (min. five shootout shots) in shootout shooting percentage this season (80.0%; 4-for-5).
CAPTAIN MAC
Ryan McDonagh leads the Rangers in average ice time this season (24:22), and he leads team defensemen in assists (31) and points (34) in 2016-17. He is tied for fifth among NHL defensemen in games with an assist (27) this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Power Play:
- The Rangers were 0-for-2 (4:00) on Feb. 23 at Toronto.
- The Blueshirts rank 15th in the NHL in power play efficiency this season (19.2%; 34-for-177).
- The Rangers were 3-for-3 (6:00) on Feb. 23 at Toronto.
- New York has not allowed a PPG against in 10 of the last 15 games.
- The Blueshirts are tied for the NHL lead in SHG in 2016-17 (eight).
- Brandon Pirri - 3 points away from 100 in his NHL career
- Derek Stepan - 6 games away from 500 in his NHL career/as a Ranger
- Kevin Klein (back spasms) - has missed one game
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THIS DAY IN RANGERS HISTORY
- Feb. 24, 1968 - Rod Gilbert registered four goals, tallied an assist, and established a single-game NHL record by recording 16 shots on goal as the Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 6-1, in Montreal. Gilbert's single-game record for shots on goal was broken by Ray Bourque in 1991.
- Feb. 25, 2016 - Henrik Lundqvist became the first goaltender in NHL history to earn at least 30 wins in 10 of his first 11 NHL seasons, the third goaltender in NHL history to earn 30 or more wins in at least 10 different seasons (along with Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy), and the Rangers' all-time leader in regular season saves as the Blueshirts defeated the St. Louis Blues, 2-1, in St. Louis. Lundqvist stopped 35 of 36 shots he faced in the contest.
- New York Rangers
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