GOING THE DISTANCE - For the fourth time in team history, the Rangers forced a Game 7 after trailing 3-1 in a series. The others were 2015 R2 vs. WSH, 2014 R2 vs. PIT, 1939 Semi vs. BOS. New York won all three of those series. New York improved to 5-1 in its last six games against Pittsburgh when facing elimination and 22-21 all-time in Game 6s in a best-of-seven series. Sunday will be the Rangers' 15th Game 7 (in a best-of-seven series) in franchise history.
NO QUIT IN NEW YORK - The Blueshirts rallied from down 2-0 to comeback and eventually win the game for a second-straight game. It is the third instance of a team overcoming a multi-goal deficit to win in consecutive potential elimination games (single series). The others were: Philadelphia Flyers (1987 Stanley Cup Final) and Detroit Red Wings (1950 Stanley Cup Final).
MIDDLE FRAME MADNESS - In a second-straight game, the Blueshirts scored three goals in the second period and recorded multiple goals in the second period for the fifth time in six games this series. New York has scored a second period goal in all six games, totaling 12 middle frame goals.
POWER-PLAY GOALS- New York scored its fourth and fifth power play goals of the series tonight. The last time the Blueshirts scored multiple power play goals in a playoff game was May 22, 2015 at Tampa Bay (Game 4, ECF).
Blueshirt Breakdown: NYR 5 vs. PIT 3 - Game 6
- Adam Fox tallied four assists, becoming the fifth player in Rangers history to record four-plus assists in a playoff game, joining Jaromir Jagr (April 17, 2007), Dave Maloney (April 9, 1983), Mikko Leinonen (April 8, 1982) and Jean Ratelle (April 22, 1971). The last NHL defenseman to notch four or more assists in a playoff game was Kris Letang on May 22, 2013. Fox has points in all six games this series. His point-streak is tied for the third longest by a Rangers defenseman in the playoffs and longest since Brian Leetch (6 GP) in 1994. He became the fourth defenseman in Rangers history to have a postseason-opening point streak of six-plus games, joining Brian Leetch (9 GP in 1994), Randy Moller (6 GP in 1990) and Brad Park (6 GP in 1974). Fox (0-4-4) became the first Rangers defenseman to record four points in a potential elimination game, besting the previous mark shared by four others: Brian Leetch (1G-2Ain Game 7 of 1992 DSF), James Patrick (3A in Game 7 of 1992 DSF), Willie Huber (1G-2A in Game 5 of DSF) and Reijo Ruotsalainen (1G-2A in Game 6 of 1982 DF). Only one skater in Rangers history has recorded more points in a potential elimination game than Adam Fox - Derick Brassard (3G-2A) in Game 6 of the 2015 Conference Finals against Tampa Bay.
- Mika Zibanejad recorded two goals and two assists for four points, his first career playoff four-point game. Zibanejad scored two goals in a span of 1:16 to tie the game at 2-2. The last Rangers player to score twice in that span or faster in a playoff game was Don Maloney (0:26 in Game 3 of 1979 QF). It is the first time in his career that he recorded two-plus goals in a playoff game. Zibanejad became the 12th different goal scorer for New York in this series. Zibanejad became the first Rangers player to score multiple goals in a potential elimination game since Derick Brassard in Game 6 of the 2015 Conference Finals against Tampa Bay. With three points (2G-1A) in the second period, Zibanejad matched the franchise record for points in a Rangers playoff period, a feat last accomplished by J.T. Miller (3A) during the second period of Game 2 of the 2016 First Round - also against the Penguins.
- Chris Kreider scored his third and fourth goals of the series, giving him a total of 56 across this regular and playoff season, the third most in team history. Kreider's third-period goal stood up as the game-winning tally, giving him the most playoff game-winning goals in franchise history (8). Kreider's goal with 1:28 remaining in regulation was the second-latest go-ahead goal in Rangers playoff history behind Cam Connor (58:51), who tallied his in Game 3 of the 1982 Division Semifinals. With his two goals, Kreider tied Ron Duguay, Brian Leetch and Adam Graves for the third most playoff goals in team history (28). With two points, Kreider surpassed Adam Graves, Brad Park, Derick Brassard for the 11th most points in Rangers playoff history (45). Tonight was Kreider's 86th playoff game with the Rangers, surpassing Don Maloney for the sixth most playoff games played by a Ranger.
- Igor Shesterkin earned his second-straight victory and third career playoff win. He also notched an assist on the Rangers' third goal, making him the fifth Rangers goaltender to record a playoff assist (Henrik Lundqvist - May 25, 2014, Mike Richter - May 11, 1997, Bob Froese - April 6, 1989, John Vanbiesbrouck - April 12, 1986 and April 9, 1986).
- Ryan Strome notched his fifth point of the series (1G-4A) with an assist on Zibanejad's first goal. Strome had three shots in the win.
- Andrew Copp sealed the game with his empty-net goal, giving him four goals and one assist for five points through six games this series.
- Ryan Lindgren notched an assist, giving him points in back-to-back games.
- Tyler Motte returned from missing 15 games (10 regular season, 5 playoffs) to make his Rangers playoff debut.
- Kevin Rooney collected his second playoff assist/point of the series of his career.
