NHL 3 Stars: New York Rangers sweep the night
A couple of hours before puck drop, it was announced that the entire Rangers coaching staff had to enter COVID protocol and was unavailable for the night's game.
But with the Hartford Wolf Pack coaching staff behind the bench, the Rangers skated to a 9-0 win over the Flyers.
First star
Zibanejad has record-setting night
Mika Zibanejad scored a natural hat trick and had three assists to become the second player in NHL history with that kind of performance. He did it in a span of 16:59, which is one minute and 34 seconds seconds than the previous record holder Bryan Trottier.
He also scored all six points in the second period.
Mika Zibanejad.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 18, 2021
You love to see it. ??? pic.twitter.com/goer67ytZN
Second star
Georgiev records first shutout since Jan. 16
Alexandar Georgiyev turned away all 26 shots from the Flyers to record his first shutout since his first start of the season on Jan. 16. He had been pulled from his previous two starts.
WHAT A SAVE!
— NHL on NBC Sports (@NHLonNBCSports) March 18, 2021
Take a bow, Alexandar Georgiev. #NYR pic.twitter.com/Ipzj7FWSZR
Third star
Buchnevich has four-point night
After missing Monday's game due to COVID protocol, Pavel Buchnevich scored two goals and two assists in the second period of Wednesday night's contest.
Buch for 3!
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 18, 2021
(via @NHLonNBCSports)pic.twitter.com/fLC3GZi7K8
Honourable mention
Knoblauch's revenge game
Hartford head coach Kris Knoblauch filled in for David Quinn. It was his first game behind an NHL bench since the Flyers fired him during the 2018-19 season.
Alongside Knoblauch was Gord Murphy, who was also fired by the Flyers, and associate general manager of the Rangers Chris Drury.
"It's certainly a night I'll never forget"
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 18, 2021
Kris Knoblauch talks about his day coming from Hartford and how he was able to prepare for tonight's game on the fly pic.twitter.com/bOJfsTslnA
