Jets soar in third for comeback win over Rangers
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Sunday night saw Alexandar Georgiev play the hero against the Toronto Maple Leafs. And after the first period against the Jets, it appeared that Henrik Lundqvist would have to do the same for the Blueshirts to have a chance against Winnipeg’s high-flying attack. Unfortunately for the Rangers, the Jets found a way to capitalize on their opportunities and beat the Rangers 4-3.
Mika Zibanejad – It has been one heck of a season for the Swedish center, who recorded his team leading 24th and 25th goals of the season. With the Blueshirts trailing to start the second period, Zibanejad got his first of the night from a bad angle to give the Rangers some life.
Mika Zibanejad can't ? stop ? scoring ?#CellySZN | #IceSurfing pic.twitter.com/CP5KDgdvAd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 13, 2019
And for an encore, Mika gave the Rangers a 3-2 early in the third. With the Rangers starting the final frame with a man-advantage, Zibanejad threw the puck towards the net where it pinballed off of both Winnipeg defensemen and into the net.
https://twitter.com/4bnyrgameday/status/1095519293331161091?s=21
As has been mentioned many times before, Zibanejad is having the best season of his young NHL career. The 25-year-old is on pace for more than 82 points this year, or a point-per-game. And as Anthony points out below, Zibanejad’s play – along with the young centers waiting in the wings – have allowed Jeff Gorton to make an easy decision when it comes to moving Kevin Hayes.
Zibanejad realizing his full potential. Drafting Chytil and Andersson. Plus the acquisition of Howden has made the decision to move Hayes that much easier. Huge chip in the rebuild. #NYR
— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) February 13, 2019
We will see what happens over the coming weeks with regards to trades, but one thing is for certain: Mika Zibanejad isn’t going anywhere for a long time.
Mika Zibanejad is the first Rangers center who has recorded 25 or more goals and 56 or more points through the team's first 56 games of a season since Mark Messier in 1996-97. #NYR
— NYR Stats & Info (@NYRStatsInfo) February 13, 2019
Mika Zibanejad is the first @NYRangers to score 13+ goals in a span of 11 team games since Jaromir Jagr from Jan. 24 – March 4, 2006 (13-7—20 in 11 GP). #NHLStats #NYRvsWPG pic.twitter.com/cz9NLIuE4a
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 13, 2019
Pavel Buchnevich – The “magnet man” himself evened the score at two late in the middle period with a power play goal of his own. Buchnevich found himself in the slot where he was able to redirect the hard pass from Ryan Strome behind Connor Hellebuyck.
It's a power-play goal!#NYR tie it late in the 2nd period after a Pavel Buchnevich deflection. Watch the 3rd period on MSG & https://t.co/9032j80fse! pic.twitter.com/UBMdTAc8Pz
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) February 13, 2019
Pavel Buchnevich recorded his 32nd career goal as a Ranger. He has now recorded the fourth-most goals by a Russian with the Rangers in franchise history, breaking a tie with Pavel Bure, and he only trails Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Nemchinov, and Artem Anisimov. #NYR
— NYR Stats & Info (@NYRStatsInfo) February 13, 2019
Filip Chytil – One thing about the aforementioned head coach that bugs this writer is his deployment of Filip Chytil. And while I’m certainly happy that Chytil is in the lineup, he only got nine shifts against Winnipeg – just two of which were in the third period. On Sunday night, Chytil had just three shifts in the final period, and none in the last 7:30 of the contest. Perhaps it is just the head coach sheltering his young phenom, but if Chytil is going to be a big part of the organization’s future, he’ll need to be able to play those important minutes late in games.
Henrik Lundqvist – Although he stopped 32 of Winnipeg’s 36 shots on net, it was not enough to help propel the Blueshirts to victory. You could easily make the case that Henrik should’ve saved at least two of Winnipeg’s tallies, but Lundqvist gave his team a chance in this one against one of the NHL’s best teams.
Next Game: The Rangers return stateside on Friday night when they face the Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center. Puck drops at 7!
LETS GO RANGERS!!