John Tavares opened the scoring for the Maple Leafs at 7:36 of the first period and later registered the primary assist on Auston Matthews’ third period goal. Tavares has goals (2) and points (2-1-3) in two consecutive games. Tonight’s game is his 14th multi-point performance of 2019-20. He has registered 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 24 games on the road this season. He has 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 49 career games against the Rangers, which ranks seventh among active NHLers.
Auston Matthews scored Toronto’s second goal of the night at 16:56 of the second period before scoring the third Maple Leafs goal of the night on the power play at 16:32 of the third period. Matthews has goals (3) in two consecutive games and points (5-2-7) in five consecutive games. Tonight’s game is his 10th multi-goal performance of 2019-20, which ranks second among NHL skaters, and his 21st multi-point performance of the season. He has seven points (4-3-7) in three games against the Rangers this season. He has recorded 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in 16 games against Metropolitan Division opposition.
William Nylander registered the primary assist on Tavares’ first period goal. Nylander has points (6-5-11) in nine consecutive games. In six career games at Madison Square Garden, he has registered eight points (4-4-8). He has 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 27 games on the road in 2019-20.
Justin Holl collected the secondary assist on Tavares’ first period goal. Holl has registered 10 (1-9-10) of his 15 points in 27 road games this season. He has six points (1-5-6) in 16 games against Metropolitan Division teams in 2019-20.
Andreas Johnsson recorded the primary assist on Matthews’ second period goal. Johnsson has assists (2) in two consecutive games. He has registered four points (1-3-4) over his last four games.
Kasperi Kapanen picked up the secondary assist on Matthews’ second period goal. Kapanen has assists (2) in two consecutive games. He has recorded 20 (8-12-20) of his 30 points on the road this season. He has three assists in three games against the Rangers in 2019-20.
Mitch Marner had the secondary assist on Matthews’ third period goal. Marner has assists (3) in two consecutive games and points (1-7-8) in six consecutive games. He has 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 13 games against Metropolitan Division opposition. In three games against the Rangers, he has collected four points (2-2-4).
Michael Hutchinson stopped 30 of the 34 shots he faced in the loss.
The Maple Leafs went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and 1-for-2 on the power play tonight.
Tyson Barrie was on the ice for a team-high 30 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5 tonight. Barrie had a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 54.6 percent (30 for, 25 against).
Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen started 33.3 percent of their 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, which was the lowest mark among Toronto skaters.
John Tavares won 78 percent (7 won, 2 lost) of his offensive zone faceoffs and was 6-for-9 (67%) on the draw when matched up against New York centre Ryan Strome in all situations.
UPCOMING GAMES:
Friday, February 7, 7:00 p.m. vs. Anaheim Ducks (Sportsnet Ontario, TSN 1050)
Saturday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. at Montreal Canadiens (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
Tuesday, February 11, 7:00 p.m. vs. Arizona Coyotes (TSN, TSN 1050)
Thursday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. vs. Dallas Stars (Sportsnet Ontario, FAN 590)
Saturday, February 15, 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Senators (Sportsnet, TSN 1050)
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (NEW YORK, NY) ▪ TV: SPORTSNET ▪ RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN
MAPLE LEAFS HISTORY versus NEW YORK
ALL-TIME RECORD:
288-222-95-11 (616 Games)
ALL-TIME ON THE ROAD:
120-128-56-5 (309 Games)
2019-20:
1-0-1
LAST FIVE:
2-1-2
LAST 10:
5-2-3
MAPLE LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus NEW YORK
GAMES PLAYED:
John Tavares (48), Jason Spezza (44), Cody Ceci (20)
GOALS:
John Tavares (14), Jason Spezza (13), Zach Hyman (5), William Nylander (5)
ASSISTS:
John Tavares (28), Jason Spezza (22), Tyson Barrie (12)
POINTS:
John Tavares (42), Jason Spezza (35), Tyson Barrie (14)
PENALTY MINUTES:
John Tavares (44), Jason Spezza (24), Zach Hyman (7)
MAPLE LEAFS – RANGERS TEAM STATS
TORONTO
NEW YORK
GOALS FOR (Rank):
190 (t-2nd)
166 (12th)
GOALS AGAINST (Rank):
172 (t-26th)
164 (17th)
POWER PLAY [%] (Rank):
36/145 [24.8%] (5th)
40/170 [23.5%] (7th)
PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank):
114/148 [77.0%] (25th)
139/178 [78.1%] (23rd)
SHOTS (Rank):
1785 (4th)
1557 (27th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank):
2690 (4th)
2111 (30th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank):
52.6% (5th)
46.4% (30th)
FACEOFF % (Rank):
53.0% (3rd)
46.7% (30th)
MAPLE LEAFS – RANGERS NOTES
FIRST MATCHUP BETWEEN CLUBS:
Nov. 20, 1926 vs. New York (New York 5, Toronto 1)
ALL-TIME RECORD:
288-222-95-11 (616 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD AT HOME:
168-94-39-6 (307 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD ON THE ROAD:
120-128-56-5 (309 Games)
LAST WIN VS. OPPONENT ON THE ROAD:
December 20, 2019 (Toronto 6, 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
37 (Matthews)
ASSISTS
39 (Marner)
POINTS
62 (Matthews)
POWER PLAY POINTS
19 (Marner)
SHORTHANDED POINTS
2 (Engvall, Kapanen)
PIMs
34 (Muzzin)
SHOTS
212 (Matthews)
FACEOFF WIN%
57.8% (Gauthier)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT %
55.4% (Nylander)
BLOCKED SHOTS
76 (Muzzin)
TAKEAWAYS
57 (Matthews)
HITS
93 (Muzzin)
TOI PER GAME
24:15 (Rielly)
PP TOI PER GAME
3:07 (Marner)
SH TOI PER GAME
2:50 (Ceci)
MAPLE LEAFS PLAYER NOTES
Frederik Andersen
– Is 14-4-0 on the road this season with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. – Second in the NHL in wins (24).- Has recorded a save percentage over .900 in 24 of his starts, which is tied for fourth-most starts with a save percentage of .900 or higher.
Tyson Barrie
– Has five multi-assist games, which is tied for ninth-most among NHL defencemen.- Tied for sixth among NHL defencemen in multi-point games (9). – Has scored four of his five goals on the road this season.- Leads the Maple Leafs in slap shots taken (45). Lone Toronto skater to have taken over 30 slap shots.
Cody Ceci
– Ranks 27th among NHL skaters in shorthanded time on ice per game (2:50).- Has played 61.4 percent of Toronto’s shorthanded ice time this season, which is tied for the 11th-highest percentage among NHLers.
Pierre Engvall
– Has started 40.5 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, which is the third-lowest percentage among NHL rookies who have appeared in at least 30 games.- Has an on-ice goals-for percentage of 59.2 percent at 5-on-5, which is the fourth-highest among NHL rookies who have appeared in 30 games.
Justin Holl
– One of 23 right-handed defencemen in the NHL to have an on-ice goals-for percentage of at least 53 percent (53.9%) at even-strength in 40 games played.- Has the highest unblocked shot attempt percentage at 5-on-5 (52.6%) among right-handed defencemen to have started fewer than 45 percent (44.9%) of their shifts in the offensive zone.
Michael Hutchinson
– Is 2-1-0 with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage against Metropolitan Division opponents this season.
Zach Hyman
– Fourth among Toronto skaters in points since January 1 (5-6-12; 11 GP).- Has scored nine of his 14 goals on the road this season. – Ranks fifth among Maple Leafs skaters in points per game (0.76).
Andreas Johnsson
– Averages 1.97 shots per game, which ranks seventh among Toronto forwards.- Has drawn 11 penalties this season, which is tied for third-most among Toronto skaters.
Kasperi Kapanen
– Fifth among Toronto skaters in even-strength points (8-15-23).- Ranks second among Maple Leafs in assists per 60 minutes of ice time (1.19).- Has recorded 19 (eight goals, 11 assists) of his 29 points on the road this season.
Kasimir Kaskisuo
– Represented the Toronto Marlies at the AHL All-Star Classic on January 27.
Alex Kerfoot
– Tied for seventh among Maple Leafs in even-strength goals (7). – 10th among Maple Leafs in even-strength points (7-11-18).- Has recorded nine of his 13 assists on the road this season.
Mitch Marner
– Has 11 multi-assist games, which is tied for the third-most among NHL skaters.- Averaging 1.26 points per game, which is the 10th-highest average in the NHL.- Averaging 1.45 primary assists per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranks second among NHLers who have appeared in at least 40 games.- Tied for eighth in the NHL in primary assists (26). His 26 primary assists are the most among NHLers who have appeared in 45 or fewer games.- Ranks fifth among NHL right wingers in shorthanded ice time per game (2:11).
Auston Matthews
– Third among NHL skaters in goals (37).- Tied for the League lead with 28 even-strength goals.- Leads the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (23).- Leads the NHL in wrist shot goals (24).- Second in the NHL in multi-goal games (9).- 12th among NHL skaters in points (37-25-62).- Fifth in the NHL with 212 shots on goal.
William Nylander
– Ranks first in goals (25) and second in points (25-23-48) among Swedish skaters this season.- Tied for the Maple Leaf lead in game-winning goals (4).- Has scored the first goal of the game three times for the Maple Leafs, which is tied for the most first goals among Toronto skaters.- One of nine NHLers to average at least 14:00 minutes per game at 5-on-5 (14:34) while maintaining a goal per 60-minute rate of at least 1.30 (1.32).
Jason Spezza
– Averaging 2.04 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which is the fourth-highest average among Toronto skaters who have appeared in at least 40 games.- Averaging 1.12 assists per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which is fourth among Maple Leafs who have appeared in at least 40 games.
John Tavares
– Tied for 25th among NHL skaters in multi-point games (13).- Has 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 12 games against Metropolitan Division opponents this season.- Has an on-ice shot attempt percentage of 54.7 percent at 5-on-5 when the Maple Leafs are leading in games, which is the highest percentage when leading among NHL forwards who have appeared in at least 40 games and average 15 minutes per game in 5-on-5 ice time (15:42).- Ranks second among Maple Leafs and 19th among NHLers who have appeared in at least 40 games in shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time (17.03).- Has drawn a team-high 14 penalties this season.
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
Zach Hyman
Has assists (2) in two consecutive games and points (2-3-5) in four consecutive games.
Mitch Marner
Has points (1-6-7) in five consecutive games.
Auston Matthews
Has points (3-2-5) in four consecutive games.
William Nylander
Has points (6-4-10) in eight consecutive games.
UPCOMING MILESTONES
Mitch Marner
Four assists from 200 assists
Jason Spezza
Five assists from 600 assists
John Tavares
Three games from 800 games
RECENT MILESTONES
None
INJURY REPORT
Frederik Andersen (Upper Body)
Left Toronto’s game on Feb. 3 vs. FLA and did not return.
Ilya Mikheyev (Wrist Laceration)
On injured reserve.
Morgan Rielly (Foot)
On injured reserve.
Man Games Lost: 128
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
February 4
Recalled goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 31
Loaned defenceman Kevin Gravel to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 31
Recalled defenceman Kevin Gravel from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 30
Loaned forward Tyler Gaudet to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
RANGERS NOTES
LAST GAME Feb. 3, Rangers 3 vs. Stars 5 – Pavel Buchnevich recorded the first goal of the game at 2:29 of the first period. The Stars registered two goals in a span of 16 seconds to take a 2-1 lead, but Brett Howden tallied the Rangers’ second power play goal of the first period to tie the game before the end of the opening frame. Dallas recorded two goals in the second period to take a 4-2 lead and extended its lead to three in the third period. Brendan Lemieux tallied a power play goal in the third period for the Blueshirts. Shots: NYR – 36; DAL – 21 PP: NYR – 3-3/4:14; DAL – 2-4/3:41 3 Stars: 1. J. Pavelski (DAL); 2. S. Johns (DAL); 3. B. Lemieux (NYR) INJURIES (91 Man-Games Lost to Injury) Chris Kreider (upper-body) – has missed one game RECENT TRANSACTIONS Feb. 2 – Recalled Phillip Di Giuseppe from Hartford (AHL) Jan. 29 – Recalled Igor Shesterkin from Hartford (AHL) TONIGHT’S GAME The Rangers play their 52nd game of the 2019-20 season and continue a four-game homestand tonight, Feb. 5, against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Original Six matchup at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET – TV: MSG Network, Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM). The Blueshirts have won four of the last seven games (4-3-0 record) and six of the last 10 games (6-4-0 record). RANGERS VS. MAPLE LEAFS All-Time*: 233-281-95-7 (133-116-56-4 at home; 100-165-39-3 on the road) *Note: The first three games between the two franchises took place when the Maple Leafs were the Toronto St. Patricks; the franchise changed its name during the 1926-27 season. 2019-20: Tonight’s game is the third of three meetings between the Rangers and Maple Leafs, and the second of two meetings between the two teams at MSG. The Rangers have posted a 1-1-0 record (0-1-0 at home; 1-0-0 on the road) and won the last contest between the two teams, 5-4, in overtime on Dec. 28 at Toronto. Ryan Strome is tied for first among all skaters – and leads the Rangers – with three goals and five points in the season series. Tony DeAngelo recorded the game-winning goal in overtime in the Blueshirts’ win on Dec. 28, and Alexandar Georgiev also made 44 saves to earn a win in the contest. The Rangers have won three of their last four games against the Maple Leafs (3-1-0 record). RANGERS-MAPLE LEAFS CONNECTIONS Greg McKegg 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 six Ontario-born players on their roster: Greg McKegg (St. Thomas, ON), Micheal Haley (Guelph, ON), Brendan Smith (Mimico, ON), Marc Staal (Thunder Bay, ON), Ryan Strome (Mississauga, ON), and Phillip Di Giuseppe (Toronto, ON). Brendan Shanahan played two seasons with the Rangers (2006-07 and 2007-08). William Nylander is the son of former Ranger Michael Nylander, who played two seasons with the Blueshirts (2005-06 and 2006-07). INDIVIDUAL CAREER STATISTICS VS. MAPLE LEAFS Artemi Panarin – 12 GP, 4-12-16 – Panarin has recorded a point in each of his last five games against Toronto (one goal, six assists). Ryan Strome – 18 GP, 6-8-14 – Strome tied single-game career-highs with two goals and four points in the last game against the Maple Leafs on Dec. 28, 2019 at Toronto. Strome enters the contest with a four-game point streak against the Maple Leafs (four goals, three assists), as well as a three-game goal streak. New York Rangers: Media Notes HOME SWEET HOME The Rangers have earned a win in six of their last nine home games, dating back to Dec. 22 at Anaheim (6-3-0 record), and have outscored their opponents, 37-25, in the nine contests. The Blueshirts have also earned at least one point in 12 of their last 19 home games (11-7-1 record). RESILIENT RANGERS The Rangers have posted a 15-6-0 record in their last 21 games which have immediately followed a regulation or overtime loss, dating back to Oct. 22 vs. Arizona. When playing at MSG in the game following a loss over the span, New York has posted a 10-3-0 record. DID YOU KNOW? The Rangers are the only team that currently has a player ranked tied for fifth or higher in the NHL in points (Artemi Panarin – fifth with 71) and a defenseman ranked tied for fifth or higher among NHL defensemen in points (Tony DeAngelo – tied for fifth with 40) this season. The last time the Blueshirts finished a season with a player ranked tied for fifth or higher in the NHL in points, as well as a defenseman ranked tied for fifth or higher among NHL defensemen in points, was 1996-97 (Wayne Gretzky and Brian Leetch). GOALS GALORE The Rangers have tallied at least three goals in 10 of the last 15 games and are tied for eighth in the NHL in goals per game this season (3.25). TWO GOOD New York has allowed two goals or fewer in two of the last three games, in five of the last seven games, and in six of the last 11 contests. The Rangers have posted an 18-3-0 record when allowing two goals or fewer in a game in 2019-20. YOUTH SERVED The Blueshirts are the only NHL team that has had eight players 21 years old or younger appear in at least one game in 2019-20 and are one of three NHL teams that have had two goaltenders 24 years old or younger appear in at least one game this season. ON POINT Rangers defensemen have tallied 139 points (38 goals, 101 assists) in 2019-20. Blueshirts defensemen have recorded more goals and more points than defensemen from any other team this season. SHOOTING GALLERY The Rangers have outshot their opponents, 148-97, over the last four games (37.0 shots on goal per game and 24.3 shots on goal against per game), as well as 117-64 in three home games during the stretch (39.0 shots on goal per game and 21.3 shots on goal against per game). The Blueshirts have recorded 30 or more shots on goal in each of the last five games. FROM RUSSIA WITH GLOVE Igor Shesterkin has earned a win in three of his first four career NHL appearances (3-1-0 record), and he became the seventh goaltender in Rangers history to earn a win in each of his first two NHL appearances (Chabot, Henry, Paille, Vanbiesbrouck, Cloutier, Skapski). He has stopped 127 of 137 shots in his four NHL appearances (.927 SV%), including 125 of the last 133 shots (.940 SV%). STATE OF THE ART-EMI Artemi Panarin recorded his 70th point of the season on Jan. 31 vs. Detroit. According to NHL Stats and Information, he became the first player to register 70 or more points within his first 48 career games as a Ranger in franchise history. He is the only NHL player who has recorded 70 or more points and a plus-20 rating or better in 2019-20. In addition, Panarin is one of three NHL players (and the only winger) who have registered 70 or more points and have been assessed 15 or fewer penalty minutes in 2019-20 (Draisaitl and MacKinnon). He leads the NHL in even strength points (53), 5-on-5 points (46), and 5-on-5 assists (29) this season, and he also ranks third among NHL forwards in plus/minus rating (plus-23) in 2019-20. Panarin’s plus-26 on-ice even strength goal differential is also tied for the fourth-best in the NHL this season. He has recorded a point in 23 of the Rangers’ 25 wins this season, including a goal in 15 of the 25 wins. Panarin has notched an assist/point in seven of his last nine games (five goals, 11 assists), and he has posted a multipoint game in five of his last seven contests at MSG (six goals, 11 assists in the seven games at MSG). MIKA MAGIC Mika Zibanejad has tallied a point in three of the last four games (two goals, four assists) and has recorded a goal in two of the last three games. He has posted a multi-point game in three of the last six contests (three goals, five assists) and in five of the last 10 games (four goals, eight assists). Zibanejad ranks 18th in the NHL in points per game (1.13) and ranks 10th in the NHL (min. 10 games played) in goals per game (0.53) this season. • •
• • SPECIAL TEAMS The Rangers have either outscored their opponent on special teams or tied their opponent in special teams scoring in 35 of 51 games this season and have earned at least one point in 25 of those 35 games (22-10-3 record). Power Play: The Rangers were 3-for-3 (4:14) on Feb. 3 vs. Dallas; the three power play goals were the most the Blueshirts have recorded in a game in 2019-20. New York ranks seventh in the NHL in power play efficiency (23.5%) and is tied for fifth in the NHL in power play goals (40) this season. The Blueshirts have recorded a power play goal in each of the last four games (7-for-13; 53.8%), in six of the last seven games (10- for-20; 50.0%), in eight of the last 10 games (13-for-31; 41.9%), and in 10 of the last 15 games (17-for-42; 40.5%). The Rangers’ 40.5% power play efficiency since Dec. 27 is the best in the NHL and their 17 power play goals over the span are the most in the NHL. The Blueshirts have tallied at least 40 power play goals in the first 51 games of a season for the first time since 2007-08. New York has posted a 19-7-2 record when tallying at least one power play goal in a game in 2019-20. Penalty Kill: The Rangers were 2-for-4 (3:41) on Feb. 3 vs. Dallas. New York has not allowed a power play goal against in eight of the last 12 games (26-for-32; 81.3%), in 16 of the last 25 games (63- for-77; 81.8%), and in 20 of the last 31 games (83-for-100; 83.0%). The Rangers’ 83.0% penalty kill efficiency since Nov. 23 is the eighth-best in the NHL. The Blueshirts are tied for fourth in the NHL in shorthanded goals this season (eight). The Rangers have posted an 18-7-1 record when not allowing a power play goal against in a game in 2019-20. UPCOMING MILESTONES New York Rangers – 15 games away from 6,500 all-time regular-season games in franchise history Brendan Smith – 2 points away from 100 in his NHL career Brady Skjei – 3 games away from 300 in his NHL career/with the Rangers Mika Zibanejad – 3 assists away from 200 in his NHL career; 9 goals away from 100 with the Rangers Tony DeAngelo – 8 points away from 100 in his NHL career Artemi Panarin – 9 points away from 400 in his NHL career New York Rangers: Game By Game Summary = Overtime, ** = Shootout, + = Sellout Date Team W-L-OT Record GF-GA Scorers W Goal PP PK SF-SA W-L Gltdr. Attend. 1 10/03/2019 Winnipeg Jets W 01-00-00 6-4 18,10p,8,93,21,42
William Nylander put the Maple Leafs on the board with a power play goal at 4:21 of the first period and later registered the primary assist on Auston Matthews’ third period goal. Nylander has assists (3) in two consecutive games and goals (3) and points (3-3-6) in three consecutive games. He has 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) over his last six games played. In two games against the Rangers in 2019-20, he has recorded three goals and two assists.
Auston Matthews collected the secondary assist on Nylander’s first period goal and later scored Toronto’s second goal of the game at 7:48 of the second period before scoring Toronto’s fourth goal of the game at 19:08 of the third period. Tonight’s game is Matthews’ seventh multi-goal and 15th multi-point game of the season. His 15 multi-point performances are tied for the sixth-most in the NHL, while his seven multi-goal games are the most in the League. He leads the NHL in 5-on-5 goals (18). Matthews has 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) over his last six games played. In two games against the Rangers this season, he has recorded two goals and three assists. Matthews has collected 31 (20 goals, 11 assists) of his 45 points on home ice this season.
Pierre Engvall scored the third Maple Leafs goal of the night at 6:22 of the third period. Engvall has three goals over his last five games played. He has two goals in two games against the Rangers this season.
Mitch Marner had the lone assist on Matthews’ second period goal. Marner has 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) over his last 10 games played. He has three points (2-1-3) in two games against the Rangers this season. He has 22 points (3 goals, 19 assists) in 17 games on home ice.
John Tavares registered the primary assist on Nylander’s first period goal. Tavares has assists (6) and points (2-6-8) in four consecutive games. He has 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) in 12 games during the month of December. In 10 games against Metropolitan Division opposition, Tavares has 12 points (4-8-12).
Tyson Barrie recorded the primary assist on Engvall’s third period goal and later collected the secondary assist on Matthews’ third period goal. Barrie has assists (4) and points (1-4-5) in three consecutive games. He has eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) in 12 games during the month of December. Ten of his 16 assists have come on home ice.
Kasperi Kapanen picked up the secondary assist on Engvall’s third period goal. Kapanen has points (1-1-2) in two consecutive games. He has recorded 19 (8 goals, 11 assists) of his 21 points against Eastern Conference opposition.
Frederik Andersen stopped 32 of the 37 shots he faced, and a Pavel Buchnevich penalty shot in tonight’s overtime loss. Andersen is 1-for-2 in penalty shot situations this season. Maple Leafs goaltenders have stopped two of the four penalty shots they’ve faced in 2019-20.
The Maple Leafs went 1-for-1 on the penalty kill and went 1-for-2 on the power play tonight.
Adam Brooks played his first career NHL game.
Adam Brooks and Frederik Gauthier started 20 percent of their 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, which was the lowest mark among Toronto skaters.
Auston Matthews won a career-high 17 faceoffs in tonight’s game. He won 80 percent (8 won, 2 lost) of his draws when matched up against New York centre Mika Zibanejad.
Morgan Rielly was on the ice for a team-high 33 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5 tonight. Rielly finished the game with a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 60 percent (33 for, 22 against).
John Tavares won 79 percent (11 won, 3 lost) of his offensive zone faceoffs.
UPCOMING GAMES:
Tuesday, December 31, 6:00 p.m. at Minnesota Wild (Sportsnet Ontario, TSN 1050)
Thursday, January 2, 8:00 p.m. at Winnipeg Jets (TSN4, FAN 590)
Saturday, January 4, 7:00 p.m. vs. New York Islanders (Sportsnet, TSN 1050)
Monday, January 6, 7:00 p.m. vs. Edmonton Oilers (TSN4, TSN 1050)
Wednesday, January 8, 7:30 p.m. vs. Winnipeg Jets (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
NEW YORK — The majority of Sheldon Keefe’s game preparation revolves about putting a plan in place to give the Maple Leafs the best chance to win. Read More
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (NEW YORK, NY) ▪ TV: SPORTSNET ONTARIO ▪ RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN
MAPLE LEAFS HISTORY versus NEW YORK RANGERS
ALL-TIME RECORD:
287-222-95-10 (614 Games)
ALL-TIME AT HOME:
168-94-39-5 (306 Games)
2018-19:
1-1-1
LAST FIVE:
3-1-1
LAST 10:
5-3-2
MAPLE LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus NEW YORK RANGERS
GAMES PLAYED:
John Tavares (46), Jason Spezza (42), Cody Ceci (18)
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):
114 (t-6th)
105 (18th)
GOALS AGAINST (Rank):
110 (t-18th)
104 (14th)
POWER PLAY [%] (Rank):
19/93 [20.4%] (12th)
23/116 [19.8%] (t-14th)
PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank):
80/105 [76.1%] (26th)
93/120 [77.5%] (23rd)
SHOTS (Rank):
1169 (5th)
967 (30th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank):
1784 (4th)
1285 (31st)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank):
52.6% (t-5th)
44.0% (32nd)
FACEOFF % (Rank):
52.4% (t-2nd)
46.0% (30th)
MAPLE LEAFS – RANGERS NOTES
FIRST MATCHUP BETWEEN CLUBS:
Nov. 20, 1926 vs. New York (New York 5, Toronto 1)
ALL-TIME RECORD:
287-222-95-10 (614 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD AT HOME:
168-94-39-5 (306 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD ON THE ROAD:
119-128-56-5 (308 Games)
LAST WIN VS. OPPONENT ON THE ROAD:
Feb. 1, 2018 (Toronto 4, New York 0)
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
21 (Matthews)
ASSISTS
20 (Marner, Rielly)
POINTS
36 (Matthews)
POWER PLAY POINTS
10 (Matthews)
SHORTHANDED POINTS
2 (Engvall, Kapanen)
PIMs
24 (Muzzin)
SHOTS
128 (Matthews)
FACEOFF WIN%
58.2% (Gauthier)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT %
55.5% (Matthews)
BLOCKED SHOTS
60 (Ceci)
TAKEAWAYS
36 (Marner)
HITS
79 (Muzzin)
TOI PER GAME
24:30 (Rielly)
PP TOI PER GAME
2:56 (Marner)
SH TOI PER GAME
3:07 (Ceci)
MAPLE LEAFS PLAYER NOTES
Frederik Andersen
– Is 9-4-0 on the road this season with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. – Has made nine career appearances against the Rangers and is 5-2-2 with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.- Leads the NHL in wins (17).- Third in the NHL in saves (804) and second in even-strength saves (677).- Tied for third in the NHL in shootout saves (11).
Tyson Barrie
– Averaging 14.2 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time, which is the seventh-highest average among NHL defencemen who have appeared in 30 games. – Has been on the ice for the 10th-most shot attempts for (668) among NHL skaters. – Has an on-ice shot attempt differential of plus-109, which is tied for 11th among NHL defencemen.
Cody Ceci
– Has an on-ice goal differential of plus-six at even-strength, which is tied for the third highest even-strength goal differential among Toronto skaters.- 13th among NHL skaters in shorthanded time on ice (109:04).
Justin Holl
– Has started his 44.4 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 53.5 percent at 5-on-5, which is tied for the lead among Toronto defencemen who have appeared in at least 10 games.
Michael Hutchinson
– Sixth among NHL goaltenders who have appeared in fewer than 10 games in saves (197).
Zach Hyman
– Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 53.7 percent, which ranks ninth among Toronto skaters who have played 10 games. – Has an on-ice goals-for percentage of 57.8 percent, which ranks second among Toronto skaters.
Kasperi Kapanen
– Has seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in nine games against Metropolitan Division teams.- Seventh among Toronto skaters in even-strength points (6-7-13).- Has played 37.3 percent of the Maple Leafs’ shorthanded ice time, which ranks third among Toronto forwards.
Alex Kerfoot
– Tied for fifth among Toronto skaters in even-strength goals (5).- Lone Toronto forward to have recorded at least 20 hits (27) and 20 blocked shots (23) this season.
Mitch Marner
– Averaging 0.54 primary assists per game, which ranks eighth among NHLers who have appeared in at least 20 games.- Tied for first among NHLers who have appeared in 25 or fewer games in assists (20).- Tied for third in the NHL in takeaways (36). Averages 4.43 takeaways per 60 minutes of ice time, which ranks second among NHLers who have skated in at least 20 games.- Ninth among NHL forwards in shifts per game (25.6).
Auston Matthews
– Tied for third among NHL skaters in goals (21).- Second among NHL skaters in even-strength goals (16).- Tied for 12th among NHL skaters in even-strength points (16-10-26).- Tied for ninth in the NHL with 128 shots on goal.- Has an on-ice goals-for percentage of 57.6 percent at 5-on-5, which is tied for third among Toronto skaters.
Ilya Mikheyev
– Averaging 9.4 shots on goal per 60 minutes of shorthanded ice time, which is the second-highest average among NHLers who have played at least 60 shorthanded minutes.- Leads all NHL rookies in shorthanded ice time (70:26).- Ranks second among NHL rookies and is fourth among Maple Leafs in even-strength points (5-13-18).
Jake Muzzin
– Has drawn nine penalties this season, which leads Toronto defencemen and is tied for second among Maple Leafs skaters.- 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 nine primary assists, which is tied for second among Toronto skaters. – Averages 2.12 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranks fifth among Maple Leafs skaters.- Has recorded six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in nine career games against the New York Rangers.
Morgan Rielly
– Tied for 15th among NHL defencemen in points (3-20-23).- Tied for 10th among NHL defencemen in even-strength points (3-14-17).- Fourth among NHL defencemen in assists recorded at 5-on-5 (13).- Ranks 12th among NHL skaters in TOI per game (24:30).- Tied for eighth among NHL skaters in shifts per game (28.5).
Jason Spezza
– Averaging 2.45 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which ranks second Toronto skaters.- Averaging 1.36 primary assists per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time in 2019-20, which is the sixth-highest average among NHLers who have appeared in at least 20 games.
John Tavares
– Has 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 46 career games against the Rangers, which ranks ninth among active NHLers in points recorded against New York.- Averaging 16.8 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which is the fifth-highest average among NHL centres who have appeared in 20 games.- Ranks second among Maple Leafs in points (10-8-18; 20 GP) since returning to the lineup from injury on November 5. – Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 55.0 percent, which ranks third among Toronto skaters who have appeared in at least 20 games.
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
Frederik Gauthier
Has goals (2) and points (2-1-3) in two consecutive games.
Mitch Marner
Has points (2-6-8) in five consecutive games.
Ilya Mikheyev
Has goals (2) in two consecutive games.
Morgan Rielly
Has assists (2) in two consecutive games.
Dmytro Timashov
Has points (1-1-2) in two consecutive games.
UPCOMING MILESTONES
Alex Kerfoot
Four points from 100 NHL points
RECENT MILESTONES
Frederik Andersen
200th NHL win (December 14 at Edmonton)
INJURY REPORT
Andreas Johnsson (Leg)
On injured reserve.
Trevor Moore (Shoulder)
On injured reserve.
Man Games Lost: 72
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
December 19
Recalled forward Adam Brooks and defenceman Martin Marincin from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on an emergency basis.
December 18
Loaned forward Adam Brooks and defencemen Timothy Liljegren and Martin Marincin to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
December 17
Recalled forward Adam Brooks from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on an emergency basis.
December 16
Recalled defencemen Timothy Liljegren and Martin Marincin from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on an emergency basis.
RANGERS NOTES
INJURIES (67 Man-Games Lost to Injury) Libor Hajek (knee sprain) – has missed six games
RECENT TRANSACTIONS None
TONIGHT’S GAME The Rangers play their 34th game of the 2019-20 season and continue a three-game homestand tonight, Dec. 20, against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Original Six matchup at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m. ET – TV: MSG 2, Radio: ESPN 1050 AM). New York has earned at least one point in nine of the last 13 games (7-4-2 record) and has won eight of the last 15 games (8-5-2 record). The Rangers have also earned at least one point in 14 of the last 21 games (11-7-3 record) and in 18 of the last 27 games (14-9-4 record).
RANGERS VS. MAPLE LEAFS All-Time*: 232-280-95-7 (133-115-56-4 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: Tonight’s game is the first of three meetings between the Rangers and Maple Leafs, and the first of two meetings between the two teams at MSG. Following tonight’s game, the Rangers and Maple Leafs will face each other on the following dates: Dec. 28 (at Toronto), Feb. 5 (at MSG). 2018-19: The Rangers posted a 2-1-0 record (1-0-0 at home; 1-1-0 on the road). Two of the three contests were decided by two or fewer goals. Alexandar Georgiev posted a 2-1-0 record, along with a 2.01 GAA and a .956 SV% (130 saves on 136 shots) in three appearances in the season series. Georgiev made a single-game career-high 55 saves in the Rangers’ win against Toronto on Feb. 10, 2019, and the 55 saves were also the most any Rangers goaltender has made in a game the team won in franchise history. Georgiev also made 44 saves in the Blueshirts’ 2-1 win on Mar. 23, 2019 at Toronto, and he became the first Rangers goaltender since expansion (1967-68) to post two 40-save wins against one opponent in the same season. The Rangers have won eight of their last 13 games against Toronto, dating back to Feb. 10, 2015 (8-5-0 record).
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, ON), Micheal Haley (Guelph, ON), Brendan Smith (Mimico, ON), Marc Staal (Thunder Bay, ON), and Ryan Strome (Mississauga, ON). Brendan Shanahan played two seasons with the Rangers (2006-07 and 2007-08). William Nylander is the son of Michael Nylander, who played two seasons with the Rangers (2005-06 and 2006-07).
Adam Brooks represented 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). 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.
INDIVIDUAL CAREER STATISTICS VS. MAPLE LEAFS Alexandar Georgiev – 3 GP, 2-1-0, 2.01 GAA, .956 SV% – Georgiev has earned a win in each of his last two appearances against the Maple Leafs, posting a 0.99 GAA and a .980 SV% (99 saves on 101 shots) in those two contests. 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 has stopped 130 of 136 shots he has faced in three career appearances against the Maple Leafs. Artemi Panarin – 10 GP, 4-8-12 – Panarin has recorded a point in eight of 10 career games against the Maple Leafs. Chris Kreider – 16 GP, 4-10-14 – Kreider has tallied a point in each of his last four games against Toronto (one goal, five assists). Ryan Strome – 16 GP, 3-6-9 – Strome has tallied seven points (three goals, four assists) in his last 11 games against Toronto, and he registered the game-winning goal in overtime in the Rangers’ last game against the Maple Leafs on Mar. 23, 2019. POINT TAKEN The Rangers have posted a 7-4-2 record in their last 13 games, dating back to Nov. 23 at Montreal. New York’s 16 points over the span are tied for the 11th-most in the NHL. In addition, the Blueshirts have posted a 13-8-3 record in their last 24 games, dating back to Oct. 29 vs. Tampa Bay. The Rangers’ 29 points over the span are tied for the 12th-most in the NHL.
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. At least one Ranger who is 21 years old or younger has notched a point on 38 of the team’s last 61 goals.
WINNING WAYS The Rangers have earned 14 wins in regulation this season, which is tied for the ninth-most in the NHL, tied for the fourth-most in the Eastern Conference, and tied for the third-most in the Metropolitan Division.
BREAD AND BUTTER Either Artemi Panarin or Mika Zibanejad has registered nine of the Rangers’ last 10 goals, dating to the second period on Dec. 12 at San Jose, and at least one of the two players has tallied a point on each of the team’s 10 goals over the span. Either Panarin or Zibanejad has recorded 11 of the Blueshirts’ last 13 goals, as well as 12 of the team’s 17 goals over the last five games.
GOALS GALORE The Blueshirts have tallied three or more goals in 15 of the last 21 games and in 20 of 33 games this season. The Rangers rank 10th in the NHL in goals per game this season (3.18).
ON POINT Rangers defensemen have tallied 91 points (26 goals, 65 assists) in 2019-20. The 26 goals and 91 points by Rangers defensemen are both tied for the most in the NHL this season. Blueshirts defensemen have recorded 24.8% of the team’s goals and 31.9% of the team’s points in 2019-20, which are both the highest percentages in the NHL.
SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS The Rangers have outshot their opponent in three of the last four games and have registered 133 shots on goal (33.3 per game) while only allowing 110 shots on goal (27.5 per game) over the span. New York has recorded 30 or more shots on goal in each of the last four games and has held its opponent to fewer than 30 shots on goal in three of the last four contests.
Crease is the word for the Maple Leafs this weekend. While goalie Frederik Andersen gets a chance for a ninth win in his past 13 starts on Friday at Madison Square Garden, Saturday’s home game versus the Detroit Red Wings will be Michael Hutchinson’s chance to end an embarrassing personal six-game losing streak. It will […]
