Mika Zibanejad scores his 20th power-play goal of season in Rangers' win over Capitals
Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) celebrates his goal with right wing Patrick Kane (88) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Washington. The Rangers won 5-2. Credit: AP/Nick Wass
WASHINGTON — Mika Zibanejad’s power-play goal in the third period Sunday was his 39th tally and 20th on the power play, which extended a career high for him in man-up goals.
“I don’t think I’ve scored a power-play goal in a while,’’ Zibanejad said after the Rangers’ 5-2 win over the Capitals. “It was a good pass by Kaner [Patrick Kane] and it’s important that we have our power play going, going into the playoffs here, the last little bit of the season.’’
Zibanejad went 15 games without a power-play goal. His last one came March 1 in Philadelphia.
Zibanejad became the third player in the league this season, along with the Oilers’ duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to score 20 power-play goals.
Panarin matches Leetch
Artemi Panarin had three assists, the first of which was his 60th of the season. That marked the third time Panarin has reached the 60-assist mark as a Ranger. He had 74 last season and 63 in the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season. He became the second Ranger to record at least 60 assists in three seasons. Brian Leetch, who had 70 in 1995-96, 80 in 1991-92 and 72 in 1990-91, is the other.
Gallant sets Rangers mark
Gerard Gallant became the first coach in franchise history to guide the team to back-to-back 100-point seasons. The Rangers have 101 points this season. They had 110 last year.
It is the 12th time in franchise history the Rangers have reached 100 points.
Gallant guided the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to 109 points and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017-18.
Blue notes
Vincent Trocheck had two assists (he has 41 this season) and won 14 of 18 faceoffs . . . K’Andre Miller had a goal and an assist and has 41 points (nine goals, 32 assists) . . . D Ryan Lindgren sat out for the sixth straight game and the 17th of the last 18 with a left shoulder injury.
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
