Month: December 2019

HEAD COACH SHELDON KEEFE

On if his appreciation for the team’s resilience in last night’s game carries over to tonight: Yeah, I think so. Today is even more challenging, obviously. The back-to-back and we’ve really leaned very heavily on our top guys. On the back-to-back, to do it two days in a row like this coming out of the break, it’s a little bit tougher. But you’re obviously very happy that we were able to do that. That’s a big point for us coming from behind like that.

On how he evaluates how often to play the top lines during a game: In game like that I’m more just going off their body language. Over time you get pretty comfortable with how they look on the bench and when they’re ready for their next shift. Maybe something was just in my own head just with the back-to-back and everything. I kind of lost our fourth line there in the second period and we weren’t getting extra shifts from them. The Rangers weren’t using their fourth line very much either. So, I made it a little bit tougher, plus we’re playing from behind, so you’ll be leaning on those guys. I felt it was important to get more shifts from our depth guys in the third period and I thought it helped us get a little extra rest and a little extra push there. But playing from behind is tough. We haven’t done that very much as a team here of late, but we’ve had to here now three games in a row. That’s not a good recipe for us, not a good recipe for anybody. So, then you get a chance to talk about resilience or to be resilient, we’re able to do that today, but obviously we’d like to flip this trend here and get back to playing with the lead.

On the performance of the blueline with the absence of Muzzin: I thought it was fine. We missed Muzz greatly, don’t get me wrong, in more than just what he does on the ice for us. He has a lot of intangibles that he brings to the locker room and to the bench. Talking between whistles and all those types of things. His presence means a lot to our team, so we missed him greatly, but I thought Marincin did well, filled in well. I don’t think any of our issues that we had in the game today were the result of that.

On if he was concerned when Marner was hit in the head with the puck: Yeah, of course, those are dangerous plays. Anytime the puck comes high like that on anybody, it’s tough. Luckily, we were able to – to get him stitched up and sent back out of there was touch and go there for a bit. They weren’t sure if he was going to come back but he not only came back, I think he pretty much sprinted onto the bench and was ready to go. We put him back out there right away and he was excellent.

On why he decided to start the game with Engvall at centre: I’m very comfortable with Pierre as a centre. I have been in my time with the Marlies. We converted him – I’m not sure exactly when it was but it was January or February of last season. We put him at centre for the first time, and he did an excellent job for us there all the way through the playoffs. Then he’s only played centre with the Marlies this season. He hadn’t played, I don’t think, one shift of wing before coming here. When he’s in there as a centre I’m
comfortable with him. I obviously changed it pretty quickly there just because I didn’t like how that line was going early, it didn’t go the way I thought it would. I thought I had to just kind of change that chemistry, they were minus-2 early, so I had to change it up. It has nothing to do with how I feel about Pierre’s ability to play centre, I think he’s good there.

FREDERIK ANDERSEN (32 SAVES)

On the challenge of the Rangers offence: They’re a quick strike offense. They have skilled players.

On the resilience of the group to battle back from behind in recent games: It’s been great. I think, like you said, we keep battling back. Those are big points. And again, another big point tonight.

On the team fighting to get points despite injuries: Of course, we’re missing some good players right now. But, again, we’ve got to play with what we have. I think the guys have been doing a hell of a job doing that. So I think tonight was a good point, but obviously never satisfied with that.

ADAM BROOKS (NHL DEBUT)

On playing in his first NHL game tonight: Obviously, it was a crazy 24 hours for me. You never want to see somebody go down – a couple of guys that I’m friends with and developed relationships with over a couple of years. You don’t like to see them out, but, you know, it was definitely cool to get this opportunity and to play here Saturday night. My parents were here, it was a great opportunity. Obviously, a day I’ll always remember.

On when his family arrived for the game: They came this morning. They were able to find a flight [from Winnipeg]. I think they left at like 6:30 or something early but it was nice that they’re able to get out.

AUSTON MATTHEWS (2 GOALS, 1 ASSIST)

On the game never seeming to be out of reach: I think we’re proud of the way we battled back. Obviously, it would have been nice to finish it off, but I don’t think in any intermission or just coming into the third, we were never discouraged or anything. With the way both these teams play, high powered offences. You’re going to get your chances and we battled back.

On what the team will miss with Muzzin being out with an injury: I mean, everything. I little bit of leadership – well, a lot of leadership, a lot of physicality. He’s a guy that obviously has experience, he’s won a Cup, he holds guys accountable in the locker room. We’re going to miss him quite a bit but it’s a time for an opportunity for other guys to step up in the lineup.

MORGAN RIELLY (13 SHOT ATTEMPTS)

On the recent win streak coming to an end but still grabbing a point tonight:
I mean points are one thing, but I think there are obviously areas of improvement for us when you look at the games. I mean, you take what you can. We’ve got a day off tomorrow and a chance to regroup after the break and after the back-to-back so it’s important we take advantage of that.

On where the team can improve now that they are out of the Christmas break: Lots of areas, I think that’s for us to discuss. We’re halfway in or just about anyways so a chance to get better here. We’ve got lots of hockey left and it’s important we realize the opportunity.

UPDATE ON MAPLE LEAFS FORWARD ILYA MIKHEYEV

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ilya Mikheyev was taken to University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey for surgery to repair an artery and tendons in his wrist that were severed during the team’s game against the New Jersey Devils last night. Following successful surgery, Mikheyev will remain in hospital in New Jersey for further monitoring before returning to Toronto. The 25-year-old is expected to make a full recovery but a more accurate timeline for his return will be provided in three months. The Toronto Maple Leafs and our medical team would like to thank the New Jersey Devils and their medical staff and the University Hospital’s staff and hand and vascular surgery team for their urgent care.

NEW YORK RANGERS (18-15-4 – 40 Points) vs.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (21-14-4 – 46 Points)

DECEMBER 28, 2019 ▪ 7:00 PM EST

SCOTIABANK ARENA (TORONTO, ON) ▪
TV: SPORTSNET/HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA ▪

RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN

MAPLE LEAFS HISTORY versus NEW YORK RANGERS

ALL-TIME RECORD:	288-222-95-10 (615 Games)
ALL-TIME AT HOME:	168-94-39-5 (306 Games)
2019-20:	1-0-0
LAST FIVE:	3-1-1
LAST 10:	6-2-2

MAPLE LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus NEW YORK RANGERS

GAMES PLAYED:	John Tavares (47), Jason Spezza (43), Cody Ceci (19)
GOALS:	John Tavares (14), Jason Spezza (13), Zach Hyman (5)
ASSISTS:	John Tavares (27), Jason Spezza (22), Tyson Barrie (10)
POINTS:	John Tavares (41), Jason Spezza (35), Tyson Barrie (12)
PENALTY MINUTES:	John Tavares (44), Jason Spezza (24), Zach Hyman (7)

MAPLE LEAFS – RANGERS TEAM STATS

	TORONTO	NEW YORK
GOALS FOR (Rank):	137 (2nd)	119 (t-14th)
GOALS AGAINST (Rank):	124 (25th)	119 (t-19th)
POWER PLAY [%] (Rank):	25/107 [23.3%] (6th)	25/132 [18.9%] (t-16th)
PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank):	88/116 [75.8%] (26th)	109/138 [78.9%] (22nd)
SHOTS (Rank):	1308 (3rd)	1089 (29th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank):	1988 (1st)	1434 (31st)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank):	52.8% (5th)	44.2% (31st)
FACEOFF % (Rank):	52.1% (4th)	46.5% (29th)

MAPLE LEAFS – RANGERS NOTES

FIRST MATCHUP BETWEEN CLUBS:	November 20, 1926 vs. New York (New York 5, Toronto 1)
ALL-TIME RECORD:	288-222-95-10 (615 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD AT HOME:	168-94-39-5 (306 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD ON THE ROAD:	120-128-56-5 (309 Games)
LAST WIN VS. OPPONENT AT HOME:	December 22, 2018 (Toronto 5, New York 3)

MAPLE LEAFS MILESTONES vs. RANGERS

Tyson Barrie	300th NHL game (Dec. 31, 2016 vs. NYR)
Frederik Gauthier	100th NHL game (March 23, 2019 vs. NYR)
Zach Hyman	100th NHL game (Oct. 7, 2017 vs. NYR)
Alex Kerfoot	First NHL game (Oct. 5, 2017 (COL) at NYR) First NHL point (Assist) (Oct. 5, 2017 (COL) at NYR)
Martin Marincin	100th game as a Maple Leaf (Dec. 22, 2018 vs. NYR)
Jason Spezza	500th NHL assist (Jan. 5, 2016 (DAL) at NYR)

MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS

CATEGORY	LEADER
GOALS	24 (Matthews)
ASSISTS	25 (Marner)
POINTS	43 (Matthews)
POWER PLAY POINTS	12 (Marner, Matthews)
SHORTHANDED POINTS	2 (Engvall, Kapanen)
PIMs	34 (Muzzin)
SHOTS	139 (Matthews)
FACEOFF WIN%	59.3% (Gauthier)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT %	55.6% (Nylander)
BLOCKED SHOTS	69 (Muzzin)
TAKEAWAYS	42 (Marner)
HITS	87 (Muzzin)
TOI PER GAME	24:21 (Rielly)
PP TOI PER GAME	3:03 (Marner)
SH TOI PER GAME	3:06 (Ceci)

MAPLE LEAFS PLAYER NOTES

Frederik Andersen	– Is 9-4-3 at home this season with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. – Has made 10 career appearances against the Rangers and is 6-2-2 with a 2.81 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.- Leads the NHL in wins (19).- Third in the NHL in saves (857) and tied for second in even-strength saves (719).- Fourth in the NHL in shootout saves (11).
Tyson Barrie	– Averaging 14.3 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time, which is the sixth-highest average among NHL defencemen who have appeared in 30 games. – Has been on the ice for the eighth-most shot attempts for (748) among NHL skaters. – Has an on-ice shot attempt differential of plus-120, which is 13th among NHL defencemen.
Cody Ceci	– Has an on-ice goal differential of plus-eight at even-strength, which is tied for the second highest even-strength goal differential among Toronto skaters.- 10th among NHL skaters in shorthanded time on ice (120:52).- Has played 62.0 percent of Toronto’s shorthanded ice time, which is the 11th-highest shorthanded time on ice percentage among NHLers who have appeared in at least 30 games.
Justin Holl	– Has started 45.0 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, which is the lowest mark among Toronto defencemen who have appeared in at least 10 games.- Has an unblocked shot attempt percentage of 53.7 percent at 5-on-5, which is tied for the highest percentage among Toronto defencemen who have appeared in at least 10 games.
Michael Hutchinson	– Second among NHL goaltenders who have appeared in 10 or fewer games in saves (250).
Zach Hyman	– Averaging 1.58 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranks eighth among Maple Leafs who have appeared in at least 10 games. – Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 53.7 percent, which ranks eighth among Toronto skaters who have played 10 games. – Averaging 15:35 per game in even-strength ice time, which ranks seventh among Maple Leafs.
Kasperi Kapanen	– Has scored nine goals this season, which is tied for 11th most among NHLers with no power play goals.- Seventh among Toronto skaters in even-strength points (7-8-15).- Has played 35.1 percent of the Maple Leafs’ shorthanded ice time, which ranks fourth among Toronto forwards.
Alex Kerfoot	– Played 17:14 on December 27 at New Jersey, which is his second-highest single-game ice time total this season.- Lone Toronto forward to have recorded at least 20 hits (29) and 20 blocked shots (25) this season.
Mitch Marner	– Averaging 0.54 primary assists per game, which is ninth among NHLers who have appeared in at least 20 games.- Tied for 14th in the NHL in primary assists (15). His 15 primary assists are the most among NHLers who have appeared in less than 30 games.- Second in the NHL in takeaways (42).- Ninth among NHL forwards in shifts per game (25.5).
Auston Matthews	– Tied for second among NHL skaters in goals (24).- Tied for the lead among NHL skaters in even-strength goals (18).- Leads the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (17).- Tied for 10th among NHL skaters in even-strength points (18-13-31).- Tied for ninth in the NHL with 139 shots on goal.- Has an on-ice goals-for percentage of 62.9 percent at 5-on-5, which leads Toronto skaters and ranks 10th among NHLers who average at least 15 minutes per game in 5-on-5 ice time.
Ilya Mikheyev	– Averaging 8.8 shots on goal per 60 minutes of shorthanded ice time, which is the fourth-highest average among NHLers who have played at least 60 shorthanded minutes.- Leads all NHL rookies in shorthanded ice time (75:03).- Leads NHL rookies and is tied for third among Maple Leafs in even-strength points (7-15-22).
Jake Muzzin	– Has drawn 12 penalties this season, which leads Toronto defencemen and is tied for fifth among NHL defencemen.- Averages 0:47 in ice time per shift, which is tied for the fourth-lowest average shift length among defencemen who average at least 21:00 per game in ice time.
William Nylander	– Has recorded 10 primary assists, which is tied for fourth among Toronto skaters.  – Averages 1.07 goals per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranks second among Toronto skaters.- Has recorded nine points (4 goals, 5 assists) in 10 career games against the Rangers.
Morgan Rielly	– Tied for 14th among NHL defencemen in points (3-22-25).- Tied for eighth among NHL defencemen in even-strength points (3-15-18).- Fourth among NHL defencemen in assists recorded at 5-on-5 (14).- 13th among NHL skaters in TOI per game (24:21).- Tied for eighth among NHL skaters in shifts per game (28.5).
Jason Spezza	– Averaging 2.48 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which is the second-highest average among Toronto skaters.- Averaging 1.24 primary assists per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time in 2019-20, which leads the Maple Leafs and is the ninth-highest average among NHLers who have appeared in at least 25 games.
John Tavares	– Has 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 47 career games against New York, which is the fourth-highest point total against the Rangers since 2009-10.- Averaging 17.09 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which is the fourth-highest average among NHL centres who have appeared in 20 games.- Averaging 9.14 shots on goal at 5-on-5 per 60 minutes of ice time, which ranks 10th among NHL centres who have appeared in 20 games.- Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 55.1 percent, which ranks third among Toronto skaters who have appeared in at least 20 games.

CURRENT POINT STREAKS

Tyson Barrie	Has assists (2) and points (1-2-3) in two consecutive games.
Zach Hyman	Has points (3-4-7) in three consecutive games.
Alex Kerfoot	Has assists (2) in two consecutive games.
Ilya Mikheyev	Has points (1-1-2) in two consecutive games.
William Nylander	Has goals (2) and points (2-2-4) in two consecutive games.
Jason Spezza	Has assists (2) and points (1-2-3) in two consecutive games.
John Tavares	Has goals (2) in two consecutive games and assists (5) and points (2-5-7) in three consecutive games.

UPCOMING MILESTONES

Frederik Andersen	23 minutes from 20,000 career minutes
Alex Kerfoot	One point from 100 NHL points

RECENT MILESTONES

None

INJURY REPORT

Andreas Johnsson (Leg)	On injured reserve.
Ilya Mikheyev (Wrist Laceration)	Left Toronto’s game on Dec. 27 at NJD.
Trevor Moore (Concussion)	Out indefinitely
	Man Games Lost: 79

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

December 27	Recalled forward Adam Brooks and defenceman Martin Marincin from the Toronto Marlies (AHL)
December 23	Loaned forward Jeremy Bracco to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
December 23	Recalled forward Jeremy Bracco from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
December 21	Loaned forward Adam Brooks and defenceman Martin Marincin to the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Activated forward Trevor Moore from the injured reserve.

NEW YORK RANGERS at TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, 7:00 p.m. ET

Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON Rangers:18-15-4 (40 pts)Maple Leafs: 21-14-4 (46 pts)

 * See the attached document for additional information on all Rangers players (Note: all statistics in the attached document are reflective of games ending on Dec. 26) The New York Rangers’ 2019-20 Media Guide can be accessed via the following link: https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/assets/binary/309230326/binary-file/file.pdf

SATURDAY’S GAME

The Rangers play their 38th game of the 2019-20 season, conclude a back-to-back set, and begin a season-long four-game road trip, Dec. 28, against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Original Six matchup at Scotiabank Arena (7:00 p.m. ET – TV: MSG+, Radio: ESPN 1050 AM). New York has earned at least one point in 11 of the last 17 games (9-6-2 record). 

RANGERS PRACTICE SCHEDULEThe Rangers will not have a morning skate prior to the contest. Rangers Head Coach David Quinn will be available to the media at approximately 5:30 p.m.*Schedule and availability subject to change RANGERS VS. MAPLE LEAFS

• All-Time*: 232-281-95-7 (133-116-56-4 at home; 99-165-39-3 on the road) *Note: The first three games between the two franchises were when the Maple Leafs franchise was called the Toronto St. Patricks. The franchise changed its name during the 1926-27 season.
• 2019-20: This is the second of three meetings between the Rangers and Maple Leafs, and the only meeting between the two teams at Toronto. The Rangers have posted a 0-1-0 record (0-1-0 at home; 0-0-0 on the road), following Toronto’s 6-3 win on Dec. 20 at MSG. Pavel Buchnevich tallied two points (one goal, one assist) in the contest, and Brady Skjei and Ryan Strome each registered a goal. Following tomorrow’s game, the Rangers and Maple Leafs will face each other on the following date: Feb. 5 (at MSG).
• The Rangers have won eight of their past 14 games against Toronto, dating back to Feb. 10, 2015 (8-6-0 record over the span).
• The Blueshirts have earned at least one point in 15 of their last 24 games against the Maple Leafs, dating back to Jan. 14, 2012 (14-9-1 record over the span). In addition, the Blueshirts have earned at least one point in 27 of their last 39 games against Toronto, dating back to Dec. 29, 2007 (22-12-5 record over the span).
• Andy Bathgate is the Rangers’ all-time leader in goals (51), assists (82), and points (133) against Toronto, and he ranks second in games played (142) against Toronto in franchise history. Harry Howell is the Rangers’ all-time leader in games played against the Maple Leafs (222). Gump Worsley is the Rangers’ all-time leader in wins against Toronto (38).

RANGERS-MAPLE LEAFS CONNECTIONS

• Greg McKegg was selected by Toronto in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, played in the Maple Leafs organization for parts of four seasons (2010-11; 2012-13 – 2014-15), and skated in four NHL games with Toronto over parts of two seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15).
• The Rangers have five Ontario-born players on their roster: Greg McKegg (St. Thomas, Ontario), Micheal Haley (Guelph, Ontario), Brendan Smith (Mimico, Ontario), Marc Staal (Thunder Bay, Ontario), and Ryan Strome (Mississauga, Ontario).
• Brendan Shanahan played two seasons with the Rangers (2006-07 and 2007-08). Chris Drury and Shanahan were teammates with the Rangers in 2007-08.
• William Nylander is the son of former Ranger Michael Nylander, who played two seasons with the Blueshirts (2005-06 and 2006-07). Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Nylander were teammates with the Rangers in 2005-06 and 2006-07, and Lundqvist, Michael Nylander, and Brendan Shanahan were all teammates with the Rangers in 2006-07.
• Adam Brooks played with the Rangers at the 2015 Traverse City Tournament.
• Ryan Strome and John Tavares were teammates with the Islanders for parts of four seasons (2013-14 – 2016-17). Micheal Haley and Tavares were teammates with the Islanders for parts of three seasons (2009-10 – 2011-12).
• Jacob Trouba, Brendan Lemieux, and Nic Petan were all teammates with the Jets for parts of two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19). Trouba and Petan were teammates with the Jets for parts of four seasons (2015-16 – 2018-19). In addition, Lemieux and Petan were teammates in the Jets organization (either with the Jets or the Manitoba Moose of the AHL) for parts of three seasons (2016-17 – 2018-19). Trouba and Michael Hutchinson were teammates with the Jets for parts of five seasons (2013-14 – 2017-18).
• Mika Zibanejad and Jason Spezza were teammates with the Senators for parts of three seasons (2011-12 – 2013-14). Zibanejad and Cody Ceci were teammates with the Senators for parts of three seasons (2013-14 – 2015-16).
• Micheal Haley and Michael Hutchinson were teammates with the Panthers for part of one season (2018-19).
• Brendan Smith and John Tavares were teammates with the Toronto Marlboros Bantam AAA Team in 2003-04 and the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA Team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) in 2004-05. In addition, Smith and Tavares were also teammates with Canada-Ontario at the 2006 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
• Adam Fox and Alexander Kerfoot were teammates with Harvard University for one season (2016-17). Fox and Kerfoot helped Harvard win the ECAC Hockey Championship in 2016-17, and both players were named to the ECAC Hockey First All-Star Team.
• Brady Skjei and Justin Holl were teammates at the University of Minnesota for two seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14).
• Jacob Trouba and Zach Hyman were teammates at the University of Michigan for one season (2013-13).
• Henrik Lundqvist and William Nylander helped Sweden win a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. Lundqvist and Nylander also represented Sweden at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.
• Brady Skjei, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner were all selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team in 2016-17.
• Artemi Panarin and Auston Matthews won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in back-to-back seasons (Panarin – 2015-16; Matthews – 2016-17).
• Ryan Strome and Cody Ceci helped Canada-Ontario earn a silver medal at the 2010 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
• Brady Skjei and Auston Matthews represented the United States at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, and David Quinn was one of the team’s Assistant Coaches in the tournament.
• Tony DeAngelo and Auston Matthews represented the United States at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship.
• Tony DeAngelo and Trevor Moore represented the United States at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
• Marc Staal and John Tavares represented Canada at the 2010 IIHF World Championship, and Rangers legend Mark Messier was the team’s General Manager in the tournament.
• Pavel Buchnevich and Ilya Mikheyev represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
• Henrik Lundqvist and Jason Spezza represented Sweden and Canada, respectively, at the IIHF World Junior Championship in both 2001 and 2002.
• Chris Kreider and John Tavares were both selected in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
• Tony DeAngelo, Kasperi Kapanen, and William Nylander were all selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
• Brett Howden and Auston Matthews were both selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
• Jacob Trouba, Auston Matthews, and Morgan Rielly were all teammates with Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
• Ryan Strome, Cody Ceci, and Morgan Rielly all represented Canada during the 2012 Canada-Russia Challenge.
• Brady Skjei, Jacob Trouba, Cody Ceci, and Morgan Rielly were all selected in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
• Kaapo Kakko and Jason Spezza were both selected with the second overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft (Kakko – 2019 by the Rangers; Spezza – 2001 by Ottawa).
• Tyson Barrie was coached by David Quinn and David Oliver in the Avalanche organization (Quinn – Assistant Coach with the Avalanche in 2012-13; Oliver – Assistant Coach with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League in 2011-12 and 2012-13).
• Lindy Ruff coached Jason Spezza with the Stars for three seasons (2014-15 – 2016-17). In addition, Ruff coached Spezza on Canada’s silver medal-winning team at the 2009 IIHF World Championship.
• Tony DeAngelo was coached by Sheldon Keefe with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for part of one season (2014-15).
• Brett Howden was coached by Sheldon Keefe with Canada-White at the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
• Micheal Haley was coached by Paul McFarland (Assistant Coach) with the Panthers for parts of two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19).
• Brendan Smith was coached by Andrew Brewer (Video Coach) with the Red Wings for one season (2014-15).
• Ryan Strome was coached by Andrew Brewer (Video Coach) with Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in back-to-back years (2012 and 2013); Canada earn a bronze medal in the tournament in 2012. Strome and Morgan Rielly represented Canada at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship.
• Lindy Ruff (Assistant Coach) and Andrew Brewer (Video Coach) were both members of Canada’s coaching staff at the 2014 Winter Olympics and helped Canada win a gold medal in the tournament; John Tavares played for Canada in the tournament. Jim Ramsay was also Canada’s Athletic Trainer in the tournament. In addition, Ruff and Brewer were also part of the same coaching staff with Canada at the 2013 IIHF World Championship.
• Lindy Ruff and Dave Hakstol were both members of Canada’s coaching staff at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. Ruff and Hakstol helped Canada earn a silver medal in the tournament.
• Benoit Allaire and Laurence Gilman worked with the Coyotes together for six seasons (1998-99 – 2003-04).

INDIVIDUAL CAREER STATISTICS VS. MAPLE LEAFS

• Henrik Lundqvist – 32 GP, 15-11-5, 2.96 GAA, .897 SV%, 2 SO – Lundqvist has made at least 30 saves in two of his last four appearances against Toronto.
• Alexandar Georgiev – 4 GP, 2-2-0, 3.01 GAA, .932 SV% – Georgiev has made 30 or more saves in each of his four career appearances against the Maple Leafs, including 40 or more saves in each of his two wins against Toronto. He made a single-game career-high 55 saves and earned a win on Feb. 10, 2019 against Toronto at MSG, and he made 44 saves to earn a win on Mar. 23, 2019 at Toronto. Georgiev’s 55 saves on Feb. 10, 2019 were the most any Rangers goaltender has made in a game the team won in franchise history.
• Artemi Panarin – 11 GP, 4-9-13 – Panarin has recorded a point in nine of 11 career games against the Maple Leafs, including each of his last four games (one goal, three assists in his last four contests).
• Chris Kreider – 17 GP, 4-11-15 – Kreider has tallied a point in 12 of 17 career games against Toronto. He has recorded a point in seven of his last eight games against the Maple Leafs, registering nine points (two goals, seven assists) over the span. He has also tallied a point in each of his last five games against Toronto (one goal, six assists in the five games).
• Marc Staal – 35 GP, 3-11-14 – Staal has posted four career multi-point games against Toronto. He has recorded 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in his last 20 games against the Maple Leafs.
• Mika Zibanejad – 26 GP, 7-6-13 – Zibanejad has notched a point in six of his last 13 games against Toronto (four goals, two assists).
• Ryan Strome – 17 GP, 4-6-10 – Strome has tallied eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last 12 games against Toronto. In addition, he enters the contest with a three-game point streak against the Maple Leafs (two goals, one assist), and he has recorded a goal in each of the last two games against Toronto.
• Jacob Trouba – 10 GP, 2-4-6 – Trouba has notched a point in six of 10 career games against Toronto, and he has tallied an assist/point in three of his last six games against the Maple Leafs.
• Pavel Buchnevich – 9 GP, 3-3-6 – Buchnevich has recorded a point in five of nine career games against the Maple Leafs, and he has registered a goal/point in each of each of the last two games against Toronto (two goals, one assist).
• Brady Skjei – 10 GP, 2-3-5 – Skjei has tallied a point in three of the last four games against Toronto (one goal, two assists).

CONNECTING THE DOTS

Several Rangers players have connections with fellow members of the Blueshirts and/or members of the team’s coaching staff in addition to being teammates with the Rangers:

• Greg Brown and Lindy Ruff were teammates with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) for one season (1991-92).
• Pavel Buchnevich and Alexandar Georgiev were teammates while representing Russia in international competition during the 2014-15 season.
• Filip Chytil and Libor Hajek represented the Czech Republic at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.
• John Davidson was the Columbus Blue Jackets’ President of Hockey Operations when the team acquired Artemi Panarin from the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren were teammates with the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16) and have represented the United States in four international tournaments. Fox and Lindgren helped the United States earn a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, a silver medal at the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge, a bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, and a bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship, and the two players were a defense pair in several of those tournaments. Fox and Lindgren were coached by Greg Brown (Assistant Coach) at the IIHF World Junior Championship in both 2017 and 2018.
• Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, and Brady Skjei all represented the United States at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. Rangers Assistant General Manager Chris Drury was the General Manager for the United States’ team for the tournament.
• Brett Howden and Libor Hajek were teammates with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL) for part of one season (2016-17) prior to being teammates with the Rangers. Howden and Hajek were part of a trade between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Rangers on Feb. 26, 2018.
• Chris Kreider was coached by Greg Brown (Assistant Coach) for three seasons at Boston College (2009-10 – 2011-12), and Boston College won two National Championships in those three seasons (2009-10 and 2011-12).
• Brendan Lemieux and Jacob Trouba were teammates with the Jets for parts of two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19).
• Brendan Lemieux’s father, Claude Lemieux, and Chris Drury were teammates with the Avalanche for parts of two seasons (1998-99 and 1999-00).
• Greg McKegg’s great uncle is Lou Fontinato, who played parts of seven seasons with the Rangers (1954-55 – 1960-61).
• Artemi Panarin and Brady Skjei were both selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team (Panarin – 2015-16; Skjei – 2016-17).
• Brady Skjei was coached by David Quinn at the 2016 IIHF World Championship (Quinn was an Assistant Coach with Team USA).
• Brady Skjei was coached by Greg Brown at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship (Brown was an Assistant Coach with Team USA).
• Brady Skjei and Jacob Trouba were teammates with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) for two seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12). Skjei and Trouba helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2012 IIHF U18 World Championship and a silver medal at the 2011 World U17 Hockey Challenge. Skjei and Trouba also represented the United States at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. Both players were selected in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
• Brady Skjei and Ryan Lindgren’s older brother, Charlie (a goaltender in the Canadiens’ organization), grew up together in Lakeville, Minnesota and were teammates at Lakeville North High School.
• Ryan Strome and Mika Zibanejad were selected with back-to-back picks in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft (Strome – fifth overall by the NY Islanders; Zibanejad – sixth overall by Ottawa).

YOUTH SERVED

The Rangers are the only NHL team that has had eight players 21 years old or younger appear in at least one game in 2019-20. BACK-TO-BACKThe Blueshirts are concluding their seventh back-to-back set of the season, as well as their second back-to-back set over the past week (the Rangers also had a back-to-back set on Dec. 22 vs. Anaheim and Dec. 23 at Philadelphia). New York has posted a 3-3-0 record in the second game of a back-to-back set in 2019-20. 

 O, CANADA

Including Saturday’s game, the Rangers will play each of their next four games in Canada (Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver). The Blueshirts are playing four consecutive games in Canada for the first time since a stretch from Oct. 18, 2011 to Oct. 24, 2011 (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg). New York has posted a 2-1-0 record in games played in Canada this season.

  ROAD WARRIORS

New York begins its second four-game road trip of the season Saturday. The Rangers have earned at least one point in seven of their last nine road games, dating back to Nov. 23 at Montreal (5-2-2 record). The Blueshirts posted a 2-1-1 record during their first four-game road trip of the season (from Dec. 8 at Vegas to Dec. 14 at Anaheim). 

THREE’S COMPANY

The Blueshirts have tallied three or more goals in 18 of the last 25 games and in 23 of 37 games this season. The Rangers have posted a 17-4-2 record when registering three or more goals in a game in 2019-20. New York is tied for 10th in the NHL in goals per game this season (3.22).

 ON POINT

Rangers defensemen have tallied 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) in 2019-20; the 102 points are the most in the NHL this season. Blueshirts defensemen have also recorded 22.7% of the team’s goals and 31.5% of the team’s points in 2019-20, which are both the highest percentages in the NHL. 

KING HENRIK

Henrik Lundqvist has started both games of a back-to-back set 86 times in his NHL career; in the second game of those 86 back-to-back sets, he has posted a 54-24-8 record, along with a 2.15 GAA, a .927 SV%, and 9 SO. 

NHL CAREER WINS LEADERS
1. Martin Brodeur	691
2. Patrick Roy	551
3. Roberto Luongo	489
4. Ed Belfour	484
5. Henrik Lundqvist	458

NHL CAREER APPEARANCES LEADERS
7. Glenn Hall	906
8. Tony Esposito	886
9. John Vanbiesbrouck	882
10. Henrik Lundqvist	879

CAREER WINS WITH ONE FRANCHISE	CAREER APPEARANCES WITH ONE FRANCHISE
1. Martin Brodeur (NJD)	688	1. Martin Brodeur (NJD)	1,259
2. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)	458	2. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)	879

HENR1K Lundqvist made his 1,000th career appearance as a Ranger (regular-season and playoffs combined) on Nov. 27 vs. Carolina, becoming the sixth player to appear in at least 1,000 career regular-season and playoff games with the Rangers in franchise history (along with Brian Leetch, Harry Howell, Rod Gilbert, Ron Greschner, and Walt Tkaczuk). 

CAREER APPEARANCES AS A RANGER(REGULAR-SEASON + PLAYOFFS,SKATERS & GOALIES)
1. Brian Leetch	1,211
2. Harry Howell	1,194
3. Rod Gilbert	1,144
4. Ron Greschner	1,065
5. Walt Tkaczuk	1,038
6. Henrik Lundqvist	1,007

ALEXANDAR THE GREAT

Alexandar Georgiev has posted a 4-3-0 record, along with a 2.30 GAA, a .931 SV%, and 2 SO in his last seven appearances. In addition, he has stopped 46 of 47 shots while the Rangers have been shorthanded over his last eight appearances (.979 SV%). Georgiev has made 30 or more saves in 11 of his 16 starts this season. 

STATE OF THE ART-EMI

Artemi Panarin has tallied a point in eight of the last nine games (eight goals, six assists), in 25 of the last 30 games (17 goals, 25 assists), and in 29 of 37 games this season (21 goals, 27 assists). He leads the Rangers in goals (21), assists (27), and points (48) this season. Panarin has recorded 198 points (76 goals, 122 assists) in 179 career NHL road games, and he ranks third in the NHL in points on the road since he entered the NHL in 2015-16. 

 MIKA MAGIC

Mika Zibanejad has recorded a point in six of the last seven games (seven goals, five assists), and he has posted a multi-point game in five of the seven contests. In addition, he has recorded 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 15 games since returning to the Rangers’ lineup on Nov. 27.

 KREID-ING HIGH

Chris Kreider has posted a multi-point game in two of the last three games (three goals, one assist), and he has notched a point in four of the last five games (four goals, two assists). In addition, Kreider has recorded a point in seven of the last nine games and has registered 10 points (five goals, five assists) over the span.  

STROME SURGE

Ryan Strome has tallied 64 points (26 goals, 38 assists) in 100 career games with the Rangers, and he is the only player who has skated in all of the Rangers’ 100 games since he was acquired on Nov. 16, 2018.

 ON THE MARC

Marc Staal enters tomorrow’s contest with 861 career games played as a Ranger, and he is one game away from passing Jean Ratelle for sole possession of sixth place on the franchise’s all-time games played list (among skaters).

 SPECIAL TEAMS

The Rangers have either outscored their opponent on special teams or tied their opponent in special teams scoring in 24 of 37 games this season and have earned at least one point in 19 of those 24 games (16-5-3 record). Power Play:

• The Rangers were 2-for-4 (5:03) tonight vs. Carolina.
• New York has posted a 13-4-2 record when tallying at least one power play goal in a game in 2019-20.

Penalty Kill:

• The Rangers were 5-for-5 (9:58) tonight vs. Carolina.
• New York has not allowed a power play goal against in eight of the last 11 games (33-for-37; 89.2%), in 10 of the last 14 games (42-for-48; 87.5%), and in 12 of the last 17 games (53-for-60; 88.3%).
• The Blueshirts are tied for the NHL lead in shorthanded goals this season (eight).
• The Rangers have registered a shorthanded goal in two of the last three games.
• New York’s 88.3% penalty kill efficiency since Nov. 23 is the best in the NHL over the span.
• The Rangers have posted a 13-4-1 record when not allowing a power play goal against in a game in 2019-20.

UPCOMING MILESTONES

• New York Rangers – 29 games away from 6,500 all-time regular season games in franchise history
• Jacob Trouba – 2 points away from 200 in his NHL career
• Brendan Smith – 2 points away from 100 in his NHL career
• Chris Kreider – 3 games away from 500 in his NHL career/with the Rangers; 6 points away from 300 in his NHL career/with the Rangers

INJURIES (73 Man-Games Lost to Injury)

• Libor Hajek (knee sprain) – has missed 10 games
• Brendan Lemieux (fractured hand) – injury suffered tonight vs. Carolina

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

• Dec. 23 – Assigned Phillip Di Giuseppe to Hartford (AHL)
• Dec. 22 – Recalled Phillip Di Giuseppe from Hartford (AHL)

THIS DAY IN RANGERS HISTORY

• Dec. 28, 1929 – The Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators, 3-1, in a neutral site game played in Atlantic City.
• Dec. 28, 1949 – Edgar Laprade (two goals, two assists) and Tony Leswick (four assists) each tallied four points as the Rangers defeated the Chicago Black Hawks, 5-2, at MSG. With less than five minutes remaining in regulation, the Blueshirts tallied four goals in a span of 2:57.
• Dec. 28, 1962 – Red Sullivan was named Rangers Head Coach.

RANGERS NOTES

POINT TAKEN – The Rangers have earned at least one point in 11 of their last 17 games, dating back to Nov. 23 at Montreal (9-6-2 record over the span). In addition, the Blueshirts have won two of their last three games (2-1-0 record). − RESILIENT RANGERS – The Blueshirts have posted a 12-3-0 record in their last 15 games which have immediately followed a regulation or overtime loss, dating back to Oct. 22 vs. Arizona.

− HOME SWEET HOME – New York has earned a win in each of its last two home games. In addition, the Rangers have earned at least one point in 12 of 20 games at MSG in 2019-20 (10-8-2 record).

− TAKING THE METRO – The Rangers have won seven of their last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents, dating back to Nov. 7 at Carolina (7-1-0 record). The Blueshirts have also posted a 7-3-0 record against teams in the Metropolitan Division this season. Beginning with their next game against a Metropolitan Division opponent on Jan. 9 vs. New Jersey, 18 of the Rangers’ final 40 regular-season games in 2019-20 are against teams in the Metropolitan Division.

− GOALS GALORE – The Blueshirts registered five goals in tonight’s contest. The Rangers have tallied three or more goals in 18 of the last 25 games and in 23 of 37 games this season. In addition, the Blueshirts have posted a 17-4-2 record when registering at least three goals in a game in 2019-20.

− TWO GOOD – Five different players registered two or more points in tonight’s game (Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Jacob Trouba, Tony DeAngelo, and Chris Kreider).

− SHOOT TO SCORE – The Rangers registered five goals on 24 shots on goal in tonight’s contest. The Blueshirts have posted a shooting percentage of 10.0% or better in 20 of 37 games this season. Entering tonight’s game, the Rangers were tied for fourth in the NHL in shooting percentage in 2019-20 (10.7%). − SPECIAL TEAMS – The Rangers outscored the Hurricanes, 2-0, on special teams in tonight’s contest. The Rangers have either outscored their opponent on special teams or tied their opponent in special teams scoring in 24 of 37 games this season and have earned at least one point in 19 of those 24 games (16-5-3 record). In addition, the Blueshirts have posted a 13-2-1 record when outscoring their opponent on special teams in a game in 2019-20.

− POWER RANGERS – The Blueshirts were 2-for-4 (5:03) on the power play in tonight’s game. New York has posted a 13-4- 2 record when tallying at least one power play goal in a game this season. The Rangers tied a single-game season-high with two power play goals in tonight’s contest. The Blueshirts have registered two power play goals in six different games this season and have posted a 5-0-1 record in those games.

− KILL ZONE – The Rangers were 5-for-5 (9:58) on the penalty kill in tonight’s contest. New York has not allowed a power play goal against in eight of the last 11 games (33-for-37; 89.2%), in 10 of the last 14 games (42-for-48; 87.5%), and in 12 of the last 17 games (53-for-60; 88.3%). The Rangers have posted a 13-4-1 record when not allowing a power play goal against in a game in 2019-20.

− FINISHING THE JOB – The Rangers entered the third period of today’s game with a lead and won the contest. Since the start of the 2010-11 season, the Blueshirts have posted a 241-7-16 record in 264 regular-season games in which they have held a lead entering the third period. New York’s .913 winning percentage when leading entering the third period over the span is the second-best in the NHL. The Rangers have posted a 12-0-2 record when leading entering the third period this season.

− EYE OF THE STORM – The Blueshirts have won each of the first three games of the season series against Carolina in 2019-20. The Rangers have won 30 of their last 36 games against the Hurricanes, dating back to Feb. 22, 2011 (30-6-0 record). New York has also won 20 of its last 25 games against Carolina, dating back to Apr. 8, 2014 (20-5-0 record). In addition, the Rangers have earned a win in 18 of their last 19 home games against Carolina, dating back to Jan. 5, 2011 (18-1-0 record over the span). −

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – The Rangers successfully challenged a Hurricanes goal for being offsides during the second period. The Blueshirts are 1-for-2 on challenges this season. − Artemi Panarin tallied three points (one goal, two assists) in tonight’s game and was selected as the game’s First Star. He has recorded a point in eight of the last nine games (eight goals, six assists), in 25 of the last 30 games (17 goals, 25 assists), and in 29 of 37 games this season (21 goals, 27 assists). Panarin leads the Rangers in several categories this season, including goals (21), assists (27), and points (48). He has also registered 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 26 career games at MSG, and he has tallied at least one point in 22 of the 26 games. − Mika Zibanejad tallied three points (two goals, one assist), including a power play goal, and recorded the game-winning goal. Zibanejad was selected as the game’s Second Star. He has registered a point in six of the last seven games (seven goals, five assists), and he has posted a multi-point game in five of the seven contests. In addition, he has recorded 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 15 games since returning to the Rangers’ lineup on Nov. 27. Zibanejad has tallied 29 points this season, and 26 of his 29 points have either been a goal or the primary assist on a goal. He has logged at least 20:00 of ice time in 18 of 24 games he has played this season, and he has also logged 19:00 or more of ice time in 22 of the 24 games he has played; the only games in which Zibanejad has not logged 19:00 or more of ice time this season were when he was injured on Oct. 27 vs. Boston (6:31) and when he returned to the lineup on Nov. 27 vs. Carolina (17:25). The Rangers have posted an 8-0-1 record in games which he has tallied a goal this season. − Chris Kreider recorded two points (one goal, one assist), including a power play assist, and posted a plus-two rating. Kreider was selected as the game’s Third Star. He has posted a multi-point game in two of the last three games (three goals, one assist), and he has notched a point in four of the last five games (four goals, two assists). In addition, Kreider has recorded a point in seven of the last nine games and has registered 10 points (five goals, five assists) over the span. He has registered 11 goals against Carolina in his NHL career, and his 11 goals against the Hurricanes are the most he has recorded against one opponent in his career. Since the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise moved to Carolina prior to the start of the 1997-98 season, Kreider has tallied more goals against the Hurricanes than any other Ranger. − Henrik Lundqvist made 39 saves, and stopped all 14 shots while the Rangers were shorthanded, to earn his ninth win of the 2019-20 season and the 458th win of his NHL career. Lundqvist’s 458 career wins are the fifth-most in NHL history. He has posted a .920 SV% or better in 11 of his last 18 starts. Lundqvist has also made 30 or more saves in eight of his last 15 starts. − Tony DeAngelo tied single-game career-highs with two assists and two points and recorded both assists on the power play. DeAngelo posted a multi-assist game for the fourth time in his NHL career and a multi-point game for the 11th time in his NHL career. He has notched an assist/point in three of the last four games (four assists), in five of the last seven games (six assists), and in 10 of the last 16 games (one goal, 11 assists). DeAngelo leads Rangers defensemen in goals (seven), assists (20), and points (27) this season. − Jacob Trouba notched two assists while skating in a team-high 22:17 of ice time. He ranks second among Rangers defensemen in assists (14) and points (19) this season. In addition, Trouba has led the Rangers in ice time in 19 of 37 games in 2019-20. − Ryan Strome tallied a goal and led the Rangers with six shots on goal while skating in his 100th career game with the Rangers in tonight’s contest. Strome has registered 64 points (26 goals, 38 assists) in 100 games with the Blueshirts. In addition, he is the only player who has skated in all of the Rangers’ 100 games since he was acquired on Nov. 16, 2018. He has recorded 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in the last 20 games and ranks second on the Rangers in points this season (31). − Filip Chytil recorded an assist and posted a plus-one rating. He has notched a point in two of the last three games (one goal, one assist). The Rangers have posted a 9-1-2 record in games which he has registered a point this season. − Marc Staal skated in his 861st career game with the Rangers in tonight’s contest, tying Jean Ratelle for sixth place on the franchise’s all-time games played list (among skaters). Staal has played the fourth-most games by a defenseman in Rangers history, trailing only Harry Howell (1,160), Brian Leetch (1,129), and Ron Greschner (981). − Morning Skate/Availability Schedule: The Rangers will not have a morning skate prior to tomorrow’s contest. Rangers Head Coach David Quinn will be available to the media at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET − Next Game: Tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 28 at Toronto (7:00 p.m. ET – TV: MSG+) *Schedule subject to change