ON POINT- Rangers defensemen tallied three points (one goal, two assists) in tonight's game and have registered nine points (four goals, five assists) over the last three games.
KILL ZONE - The Blueshirts were 2-for-2 (4:00) on the penalty kill in the contest. The Rangers have not allowed a power play goal against in nine of the last 12 games, including each of the last three games.
SHOOTING GALLERY - The Rangers registered 27 shots on goal in tonight's game, and 15 of 18 skaters recorded at least one shot on goal in the contest.
BLOCK PARTY - The Blueshirts were credited with 20 blocked shots in tonight's contest, and five of the Rangers' six defensemen recorded at least two blocked shots.
Blueshirt Breakdown
Brady Skjeitied single-game career-highs with two assists and two points, was credited with three blocked shots, and recorded two shots on goal in 20:39 of ice time. He has tallied 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in the last 12 games, seven assists/points in the last eight games, and six assists/points in the last six games. Skjei is one of three Rangers defensemen who have tallied at least 25 assists in their rookie season since 1988-89 (Brian Leetch - 1988-89; Michael Del Zotto - 2009-10). Skjei has logged at least 20:00 of ice time in three games this season.
Jimmy Vesey tallied a power play goal and led all skaters with four shots on goal in 16:12 of ice time. Vesey has registered a goal in each of the last two games, and he is tied for the team lead in power play goals this season (five). As of the conclusion of tonight's contest, Vesey ranks sixth among NHL rookies in goals in 2016-17 (14), and he also ranks third among NHL rookies in power play goals this season.
Nick Holden notched the first goal of the game, recorded two shots on goal, registered two hits, and was credited with two blocked shots in 20:12 of ice time. He added to his career-high in points (27) and he is one goal away from tying his career-high of 10 (established in 2013-14 with Colorado). Holden leads Rangers defensemen in goals (nine) and even strength goals (seven) this season. He has recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last 21 games, as well as 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in the last 29 contests.
Mats Zuccarello tallied an assist in 18:12 of ice time. Zuccarello leads the Rangers in assists this season (31), and he has registered 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) in the last 24 games.
Rick Nash notched an assist and recorded three shots on goal in 17:02 of ice time. He has tallied eight points (three goals, five assists) in the last 14 contests, and he has registered a point in two of the last three contests (one goal, one assist).
Derek Stepan won 12 of 17 faceoffs (70.6%) and registered two shots on goal in the contest.
Ryan McDonagh led all skaters with six blocked shots while skating in a game-high 25:42 of ice time. McDonagh has led the Rangers in ice time in 51 of 56 games he has played in 2016-17.
