WINNING WAYS - The Rangers have earned 19 wins within their first 29 games of a season for the fourth time in franchise history (1941-42, 1971-72, 1993-94, and 2016-17), and their 19 wins in 2016-17 are tied for the third-most they have earned through the first 29 games of one season in franchise history. The only seasons in which the Rangers registered more than 19 wins in their first 29 games were 1971-92 and 1993-94 (20 in each season). New York leads the NHL in wins in 2016-17.
0 TO 100 (REAL QUICK)- The Rangers tallied their 100th goal of the 2016-17 season in tonight's game. The Blueshirts have registered at least 100 goals in the first 29 games of a season for the first time since 1995-96. New York is the first NHL team that has registered 100 goals in the 2016-17 season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the last season in which the Rangers were the first team to tally 100 goals was 1990-91.
BACK-TO-BACK - In their last 87 back-to-back sets (since the start of the 2010-11 season), the Rangers have posted a 58-23-6 record in the second game of the set. New York has posted a 5-0-0 record in the second game of a back-to-back set in 2016-17.
MAKING THE DIFFERENCE - The Rangers lead the NHL in goal differential this season (plus-30; 100 goals for, 70 goals against) and have posted a plus-30 goal differential or better through the first 29 games of one season for the first time since 1993-94.
ROAD WARRIORS - New York leads the NHL in road wins since the start of the 2013-14 season (81). The Rangers have earned a win in eight of their last 11 road games (8-3-0).
TWO GOOD - The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in regulation in 19 of 29 games this season. New York has posted a 16-2-1 record when allowing two or fewer goals in regulation in 2016-17.
HOW THE WEST WAS WON - The Blueshirts have posted a 10-2-0 record in 12 games against Western Conference teams this season.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED - The Rangers successfully challenged a goal scored by Chicago in the third period, as the Blackhawks were offsides when entering the zone. The Blueshirts are 1-for-1 on coach's challenges this season.
SHOOTING GALLERY - New York registered 37 shots on goal in tonight's contest, as 14 of 18 skaters recorded at least one shot on goal in the contest.
Three Stars on Broadway
Antti Raantastopped all 26 shots he faced in tonight's contest to earn a win and his first shutout of the season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Raanta is the first goaltender in Rangers history to post a shutout in his first start against his former team. In addition, Raanta is the first Rangers goaltender who has registered a shutout against his former team (in any start) since Jacques Plante posted a shutout against Montreal on Mar. 8, 1964. He has allowed two goals or fewer in each of his last eight starts. In nine starts this season, Raanta has posted a 7-1-0 record, along with a 1.69 GAA, a .941 SV%, and 1 SO. In addition, he has posted a 5-0-0 record, along with a 1.20 GAA, a .960 SV%, and 1 SO in five road starts/appearances in 2016-17. Raanta has appeared in 20 career NHL games at United Center, and he has posted a 15-0-3 record, along with a 1.51 GAA, a .945 SV%, and 4 SO in those contests.
Nick Holdenregistered the game-winning goal in overtime, recorded three shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in 21:12 of ice time. Holden recorded his first career overtime goal in the NHL in tonight's contest. He leads Rangers defensemen in goals this season (four).
Derek Stepan notched the lone assist on the game-winning goal in overtime, won 15 of 21 faceoffs (71.4%), and recorded five shots on goal in the contest. Stepan is tied for the team lead - and leads Rangers forwards - in assists this season (15).
Blueshirt Breakdown
Ryan McDonagh notched an assist on the game-winning goal and led all skaters with six blocked shots while skating in a game-high 26:33 of ice time. The Rangers have posted a 24-4-3 record in the last 31 games in which McDonagh has logged at least 25:00 of ice time, dating back to Oct. 16, 2014. McDonagh has led the Rangers in ice time in 27 of 29 games this season. McDonagh is tied for the team lead in assists this season (15), and he leads Rangers defensemen in assists (15) and points (16) in 2016-17.
Oscar Lindbergled all skaters and established a single-game career-high with seven shots on goal in tonight's game.
Jesper Fastestablished a single-game career-high with six shots on goal in tonight's contest.
