Filip Chytil scored his first NHL goal at 8:14 of the third when Mats Zuccarello shot went wide, but caromed back in front for Chytil to bury into the empty net. It was his second point in three games following his recall from Hartford (AHL) on Sunday.
The 18-year-old said he's gaining confidence with each passing game in the NHL.
"I think I'm more confident after every shift and I love scoring goals," he said. "It's something special and I'm really glad my first goal was in Madison Square Garden."
Coach Alain Vigneault said too many of his players "had an off night," but Chytil's production was a positive he could take.
"I thought Filip had a good game. He showed some real good speed, he had a couple good looks, got his first NHL goal," Vigneault said. "From an individual stand point, that was a good step today."
Chris Kreider added his 16th of the season to make it a two-goal lead with 3:29 remaining in the game, but Point's second of the night into an empty net iced the game with 1:44 to play, and Girardi scored another with 34 seconds remaining.
Now the Rangers close out the season with four straight on the road, starting with Carolina Saturday night. And while they'll be local with tilts against the Devils, Islanders and Flyers, there was disappointment in not leaving The Garden with two points.
"The season has been tough," Zibanejad said. "It hasn't been as we were hoping and as we wanted. To not be able to finish it off with a win in front of the fans is disappointing. It's unfortunate to not give them something and get ourselves a good feeling at least winning the last home game. It's just empty."