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New York Rangers’ Top five goals of the 2016-2017 season

By Drew McCaffrey

Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers
Apr 20, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) celebrates his goal against Montreal Canadiens with teammates left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) and left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) during an overtime period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Mika Zibanejad vs. Montreal

Zibanejad established himself as an offensive catalyst for the Rangers this season, despite missing two months with a broken leg. He scored big goals, including two overtime winners against Tampa Bay and New Jersey. With a healthy leg and an impressive playoff performance under his belt, Zibanejad looks to be an important piece in New York for years to come.

But most importantly, Zibanejad sealed his reputation as a clutch overtime performer in April. He scored perhaps the biggest goal of the year for the Rangers, finishing a broken play from Chris Kreider to get the Rangers up 3-2 over Montreal in their first-round series.

The play started in the neutral zone, with the Rangers coming up ice with speed. Kreider broke into the Canadiens’ zone before attempting a shot on net. His shot came off the heel of his stick, though, and deflected off of Alexei Emelin’s blade. Zibanejad snuck in behind the play and elevated the puck over a helpless Carey Price, giving the Rangers the win.

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