Pregame Notes: Rangers vs. Islanders
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Preview: Rangers Clash with Islanders in Anticipated Matchup

**Panarin’s Impressive Achievements**

Artemi Panarin had an outstanding performance on a Saturday afternoon, marking his fifth career game with five points, a feat he hadn’t achieved since February 11, 2023, against CAR. This achievement ties him with Ulf Nilsson and Jean Ratelle, who also had four such games for the Rangers, only trailing Rod Gilbert, who had six.

Panarin’s remarkable fifth point in that game was his 500th career assist, placing him as the third-fastest active player to reach this milestone, doing so in 657 games. Only Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby reached it faster.

Moreover, Panarin has hit the 90-point mark for the fourth time in the past five seasons. He’s the first in the team’s history to accomplish this four times and the first to do it in three consecutive seasons.

Over his last 14 games, Panarin has accumulated 25 points, including seven games with at least two points and five games with three or more points.

With a current tally of 38 goals and 55 assists, Panarin is on the brink of becoming the first Rangers player since Jaromir Jagr in 2005-06 to achieve over 40 goals and 50 assists in a season.

Currently, Panarin ranks fifth in the NHL with 93 points and seventh in goals with 38, setting a new personal best.

He has scored in 53 games this season, tying for the third-most in the NHL, and his 27 multi-point games place him fifth league-wide.

**Kreider’s Milestones**

Chris Kreider recently played his 800th NHL game on March 16 at Pittsburgh, becoming the 10th Rangers skater to reach this milestone. His 298 goals are the second-highest total for any Rangers player in their first 800 games, just behind Jean Ratelle’s 306.

Kreider has netted 33 goals this season, with nine in his last 14 games. He has scored points in seven of his last eight games.

Since the 2021-22 season, Kreider’s 121 goals are tied for sixth in the NHL, and his 47 power play goals rank third.

This season, Kreider has rewritten the Rangers’ record books in several ways, including surpassing Adam Graves in goals and points, becoming the fifth Ranger to hit 100 career power play goals, and setting a record for the most goals scored at MSG.

**New York’s Goalkeeping Excellence**

The Rangers are fifth in the NHL for save percentage at .909 and have allowed 180 goals this season, tying for fifth least in the league.

Igor Shesterkin has shown exceptional form, with an 8-2-1 record and three shutouts in his last 11 games.

Jonathan Quick, with a 15-5-2 record this season, is close to tying Ryan Miller for the most wins among American-born goaltenders.

**Fox’s Defensive Prowess**

Adam Fox has been on a roll, with 15 points in his last 14 games. He ranks eighth among NHL defensemen in points and assists.

Fox has matched his career-high of 12 goals this season and has achieved his fourth 40-assist season, a rare feat among Rangers defensemen.

Since the 2019-20 season, Fox is fifth among NHL defensemen in points and second in assists, showcasing his consistent performance and contribution to the team.