Rangers vs. Capitals 2.19.17: Postgame Notes

Team Notes

• WINNING WAYS - The Rangers' 38 wins in 2016-17 are tied for the most the team has earned through the first 58 games of one season in franchise history. The Blueshirts have earned at least 38 wins through the first 58 games of a season four times in franchise history (1972-73, 1993-94, 2011-12, 2016-17). As of the conclusion of today's game, the Rangers rank third in the NHL in wins this season and are the only NHL team that has earned at least 19 wins both at home and on the road in 2016-17. New York has won seven of its last eight games (7-1-0), as well as 10 of its last 13 games (10-3-0).

• BOUNCE BACK - Since Dec. 22, 2015, the Rangers have posted a 32-8-1 record in the game following a loss (regulation or overtime/shootout). New York has posted a 15-4-1 record in games following a loss in 2016-17.
• HOME COOKING - The Rangers extended their home winning streak to five games, dating back to Feb. 5 vs. Calgary. The Blueshirts have posted a home winning streak of five games or longer in length twice this season (Oct. 23 - Nov. 6; six games). Over their last 100 regular season games at Madison Square Garden (dating back to Nov. 23, 2014), the Rangers have posted a 65-28-7 record (.685 points percentage over the span). The Blueshirts have posted a 19-11-1 record in 31 home games in 2016-17.
• TWO GOOD - The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in regulation in nine of the last 13 games and in 35 of 58 games this season. The Blueshirts have posted a 30-4-1 record in those 35 contests in 2016-17.
• THIRD PERIOD TALLIES - The Rangers recorded a goal in the third period of today's game and lead the NHL in third period goals this season (81). The Blueshirts have posted a 13-3-1 record in games which are tied entering the third period in 2016-17.
• ONE AND WON - Ten of the Rangers' last 17 games have been decided by one goal, dating back to Jan. 7 at Columbus. The Rangers have won each of the last seven games they have played which were decided by one goal, dating back to Jan. 22 at Detroit. In addition, the Blueshirts have posted a 16-7-1 record in one-goal games this season. The Rangers have posted the best winning percentage in the NHL in one-goal games this season (.667).
• ON POINT - Rangers defensemen have tallied 10 points (five goals, five assists) over the last four games, and at least one Rangers defenseman has recorded a goal in each of the four contests (Klein - Feb. 11 vs. Colorado; Girardi - Feb. 13 at Columbus; Holden - Feb. 16 at NY Islanders; McDonagh - today vs. Washington).
• FABULOUS FEBRUARY - The Rangers have posted a 27-6-3 record in 36 games in February since the start of the 2014-15 season, including a 7-1-0 record in games in February this season.
• WINNING ON THE WEEKEND - New York has posted a 17-3-1 record in weekend games this season, including a 9-1-1 record in games played on a Sunday. In addition, the Rangers have posted a 5-0-0 record in afternoon games.
• SHOOTING GALLERY - The Rangers recorded 30 shots in today's game, including 19 shots on goal in the first period. The Blueshirts have registered at least 30 shots on goal in seven of the last 10 contests, as well as 12 of the last 17 games.

Three Stars on Broadway

• Henrik Lundqvist made 31 saves, and stopped all 11 shots he faced in the third period, to earn his 27th win of the season and the 401st win of his NHL career. By earning a win in today's game, Lundqvist tied Chris Osgood for 11th place on NHL's all-time wins list. In his last 12 appearances, Lundqvist has posted a 9-2-0 record, along with a 2.01 GAA, a .937 SV%, and 1 SO. Lundqvist has made 30 or more saves in 14 games this season; he has posted a 13-1-0 record, along with a 1.84 GAA, a .949 SV%, and 1 SO in those contests.
• Mats Zuccarello registered the game-winning goal, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in the contest. He has tallied 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in the last 25 games.
• Ryan McDonagh tallied the first goal of the game, led all skaters with five blocked shots, tied for the game-high with four shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating while skating in a team-high 23:33 of ice time. He extended his point streak against the Capitals to six games (one goal, seven assists over the span) and he has registered a point in 13 of 18 games against Washington since the start of the 2012-13 season (one goal, 15 assists). McDonagh leads Rangers defensemen in points this season (33; three goals, 30 assists).

Blueshirt Breakdown

• Alain Vigneault earned his 182nd career win as the Rangers' Head Coach in today's game, passing Frank Boucher for sole possession of third place on the franchise's all-time wins list among head coaches. The only head coaches who have earned more wins with the Rangers than Vigneault has are Emile Francis and Lester Patrick.
• Chris Kreider tallied an assist on the game-winning goal while skating in his 300th career NHL game in today's contest. He has registered at least 40 points in each of the last three seasons (2014-15 - 2016-17).
• Derek Stepan recorded an assist and posted a plus-one rating. He has registered at least 30 assists in each of the last four seasons (2013-14 - 2016-17). Stepan and Mats Zuccarello are the first Rangers to tally 30 or more assists in at least four consecutive seasons since Brian Leetch.
• Rick Nash notched an assist and posted a plus-one rating. He has tallied a point in three of the last four games (one goal, two assists), including an assist in each of the last two contests. Nash has also registered nine points (three goals, six assists) in the last 15 games.
• Mika Zibanejad registered an assist on the game-winning goal, won eight of 13 faceoffs (61.5%), and posted a plus-one rating. He has tallied an assist/point in five of the last nine games.
• Marc Staal skated in his 666th career game with the Rangers in today's contest, tying Dean Prentice for 15th place on the franchise's all-time games played list. Including goaltenders, Staal is tied with Prentice and Mike Richter for the 17th-most all-time appearances as a Ranger.

- New York Rangers