OFFICIAL GAME REPORTS GOALIES
Game Summary NYR: H. Lundqvist (OT) DET: J. Howard (W)
Event Summary
Shootout Summary
– POINT TAKEN – The Blueshirts have earned at least one point in six of the last seven games (4-1-2 record) and in eight of the last 10 games (5-2-3 record).
– SAVING THE DAY – Over the last nine games (since Dec. 11 vs. Dallas), Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec have posted a .949 SV% (318 saves on 335 shots).
– NET RETURNS – Henrik Lundqvist and Jimmy Howard have both started in the same game seven times. The scores of those seven games were 3-1 Detroit (Dec. 6, 2009), 1-0 Rangers (Jan. 16, 2014), 3-0 Rangers (Mar. 9, 2014), 1-0 Rangers in overtime (Feb. 21, 2016), 2-1 Detroit (Oct. 19, 2016), 2-1 Rangers in overtime (Nov. 24, 2017), and 3-2 Detroit in a shootout (Dec. 29, 2017). At least one of the two goaltenders has been selected as one of the game’s Three Stars in each of the seven games, and both goaltenders have been named two of the Three Stars in five of the seven games.
– WORKING OVERTIME – Each of the Rangers’ last two games, as well as three of their last four games and five of their last nine contests, have been decided in either overtime or a shootout. In addition, three of the last four contests, as well as each of the last two games, have been decided in a shootout.
– KILL ZONE – New York was 5-for-5 (9:41) on the penalty kill in tonight’s contest and only allowed five shots on goal while shorthanded. The Blueshirts have not allowed a power play goal in eight of the last 11 games (36-for-39; 92.3%) and in nine of the last 13 games (40-for-44; 90.9%). In addition, the Rangers have killed off 76 of their opponents’ last 86 power play opportunities (88.4%). The Rangers have not allowed more than one power play goal in 37 of 38 games this season, including each of the last 36 contests.
– FIRST IN SCORE – The Rangers tallied the first goal of the game for the 18th time this season. The Blueshirts have posted a 14-3-1 record when registering the first goal of the game in 2017-18.
– CLOSE CALL – Eleven of the Blueshirts’ last 16 games, including seven of their last nine games and all of their last four games, have been decided by one goal. In addition, 21 of the Rangers’ last 27 games, as well as 29 of their 38 games this season, have been decided by two or fewer goals.
– SHOOTING GALLERY – The Rangers recorded 39 shots on goal in tonight’s contest, including 18 shots on goal in the third period, as 15 of 18 skaters registered at least one shot on goal in the game. The Blueshirts have registered 30 or more shots on goal in each of the last three games, in four of the last five contests, and in 22 of 38 games in 2017-18.
– HOT AT THE DOT – The Blueshirts won 39 of 75 faceoffs (52.0%) in tonight’s game. The Rangers have posted a faceoff win percentage of 50.0% or better in eight of the last nine games.
– HOT WINGS – The Rangers have earned at least one point in 13 of their last 15 games against Detroit, dating back to Mar. 21, 2012 (10-2-3 record over the span). Ten of the last 18 contests between the Rangers and Red Wings, including nine of the last 15 games and six of the last nine games, have been decided in either overtime or a shootout. Ten of the last 11 games between New York and Detroit have been decided by one goal. In addition, 14 of the last 16 games and 18 of the last 22 meetings between the two teams have been decided by one goal. Tonight’s game was the Rangers’ first all-time contest at Little Caesars Arena.
– Henrik Lundqvist made 33 saves in regulation and overtime of tonight’s game, and he was selected as the game’s Second Star. Over his last six appearances (dating back to Dec. 15 vs. Los Angeles), Lundqvist has posted a 3-1-2 record, along with a 2.10 GAA and a .943 SV% (217 saves on 230 shots), and he has made at least 30 saves in each of those six appearances. In addition, Lundqvist has made 30 saves in eight of his last 10 appearances. He has been selected as one of the game’s Three Stars in 16 of his 32 appearances in 2017-18.
– Vinni Lettieri tallied his first career NHL goal/point and registered three shots on goal while making his NHL debut in tonight’s contest. He became the first Ranger to register a goal in his NHL debut since Derek Stepan on Oct. 9, 2010, at Buffalo. Lettieri is the first player who has worn jersey No. 95 in a regular season game in franchise history. He is the second player who has made his NHL debut with the Rangers this season (Filip Chytil – Oct. 5 vs. Colorado).
– David Desharnais registered the first goal of the game, won nine of 16 faceoffs (56.3%), recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating. He has registered four points (one goal, three assists) in the last five games, six points (one goal, five assists) in the last eight games, and 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in the last 14 contests. Desharnais has also registered 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 17 career games against Detroit.
– Jimmy Vesey tallied an assist, led all skaters – and tied a single-game career-high – with five hits, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating. Vesey has recorded a point in four of the last five games (two goals, two assists) and in five of the last seven contests (two goals, three assists).
– Boo Nieves recorded an assist and won four of eight faceoffs (50.0%). Nieves has registered four points (one goal, three assists) in his last 11 games.
– Rick Nash tied for the team-high with five shots on goal in tonight’s contest. He has recorded 11 shots on goal in the last two contests.
– Saturday, Dec. 30: Practice, 12:00 p.m. at MSG Training Center
– Sunday, Dec. 31: Practice, 1:30 p.m. at Citi Field
– Next Game: Monday, Jan. 1 at Buffalo – 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field (1:00 p.m. ET – TV: NBC)
*Schedule subject to change
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