ON POINT - Two Rangers defensemen (Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal) recorded a goal in the same game for the first time this season and for the first time since Feb. 27, 2016 at Dallas. Three Blueshirts defensemen have tallied a goal over the last two games (McDonagh, Staal, and Nick Holden).
SPECIAL TEAMS - The Rangers outscored Buffalo, 2-1, on special teams in tonight's contest and have outscored their opponent on special teams in 12 of 25 games this season.
POWER SURGE - New York was 2-for-2 (2:38) on the power play in tonight's game. The Blueshirts have recorded a power play goal in each of the last two games, in three of the last five games, and in 13 of 25 contests this season. In addition, the Rangers have registered two power play goals in the same game four times this season.
THREE'S COMPANY - The Rangers have tallied three or more goals in 18 of 25 games this season.
SECOND HELPING - New York has outscored its opponents, 39-19, in the second period in 2016-17.
Blueshirt Breakdown
Ryan McDonagh tallied a power play goal, recorded three shots on goal, and was credited with two blocked shots while skating in a team-high 25:00 of ice time. The Rangers captain has recorded a point in 12 of 25 games in 2016-17. McDonagh has led the Rangers in ice time in 24 of 25 games this season.
Rick Nash tallied a power play goal and recorded three shots on goal. He has registered a goal/point in four of the last six games, recording six points (four goals, two assists) over the span. Nash leads the Rangers in power play goals (four) and power play points (six), and he ranks second on the team in goals (11) this season.
Marc Staalregistered a goal and recorded three shots on goal in 21:29 of ice time. He tallied his first goal on the road this season and his first goal on the road since Jan. 14, 2016 against the New York Islanders.
Derek Stepan notched a power play assist and tied for the team-high with three blocked shots. He has recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in the last 16 games. Stepan is tied for the team lead in power play assists in 2016-17 (five), and he is also tied for first among Rangers forwards in assists this season (11).
Jimmy Vesey recorded a power play assist and registered one shot on goal in 17:50 of ice time. Vesey has notched a power play point in each of the last two games (one power play goal, one power play assist), and he has registered three points (one goal, two assists) in the last four games.
Adam Clendening notched a power play assist, was credited with two hits, and recorded one blocked shot. He has registered an assist/point in each of the last three games he has played (three assists). Clendening, a native of Niagara Falls, New York, tallied his first career assist/point against Buffalo while playing his third career game against the Sabres.
Jesper Fasttallied an assist, recorded two shots on goal, was credited with two hits, and posted a plus-one rating. He ranks second among Rangers forwards in even strength assists this season (nine). In addition, Fast is tied for second on the team in primary assists in 2016-17 (seven). Fast has registered seven points (two goals, five assists) in the last 15 contests. He has posted a plus/minus rating of even or better in 21 of 25 contests this season, including a plus-one rating or better in 10 games in 2016-17.
Chris Kreider recorded an assist, was credited with two hits, and posted a plus-one rating in 16:35 of ice time. He has recorded a point in 10 of 19 games he has played this season, including an assist in nine different contests.
Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves in tonight's game. Lundqvist has made 30 or more saves in five games this season, and he has posted a 4-1-0 record, along with a 1.80 GAA, a .951 SV%, and 1 SO in those contests.
