New York Rangers’ Top Five Goals Against All-Star Goalies

5.) Matt Puempel Against Mike Smith

On December 29th, 2016, Puempel recorded his first career hat trick. The Rangers were playing well, and the young player decided to take advantage of the fun of the night.

The greatest part of the game for him was that he had never even scored a power play point, let alone have three power play goals all in the same night. His first goal came just 2:24 into the game, and 14:40 into the third, he found the net again. It looked as if the game would end by a final score of 5-3, but Puempel struck again with an empty-netter with 17 seconds left.

However, the best goal was his second, which put the Rangers up 4-3 after giving up a lead heading into the third period. McDonagh ripped a shot from the point that found Puempel in front of the net for a deflection past Smith.