The New York Rangers had a magical evening on Sunday night, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. The win was much more than just two points, as one of the best goaltenders of all-time etched his name in the record books.
Jonathan Quick, the backup goaltender for the Rangers, won his 400th game of his NHL career. He is the first goaltender born in the United States to do so. What a remarkable achievement, and it could not have happened to a better goalie who exemplifies the position perfectly.
After the final buzzer went, the remaining members on the ice for the Blueshirts quickly turned their attention to the goaltender, and then the wave of teammates skated over from the bench. It was like the scene after a big playoff shutout to clinch the series.
Look how happy the @NYRangers are for Jonathan Quick reaching 400 career wins 💙 pic.twitter.com/BQADHycsj7
— NHL (@NHL) February 3, 2025
That embrace after the game shoes just how much this team cares about their backup goaltender. Here is why.
Twilight Years
Quick, who has spent 18 years in the NHL, has been a generational talent for the entirety of his career. He spent 16 years in Los Angeles as the starting goaltender of their dynasty run in the early 2010s. Now, he has backed up Igor Shesterkin over the past two seasons and has done a fantastic job in the twilight years of his career.
To be playing at the age of 39 and to be playing it at this level is miraculous. The Rangers roster has realized it, and that embrace was a show of appreciation for not only the achievement but for keeping a playoff team in Vegas at bay for a much-needed victory.
Greatest U.S. Goaltender of All Time
There is no other goalie to play in the NHL that has won more games than Quick. No one born in the United States has eclipsed 400 wins. What a milestone for a guy that has never won a Vezina Trophy.
Quick's career up until before Sunday's win was already a hall-of-fame one. He lifted the Stanley Cup twice, brought home two Jennings awards, and won the Conn Smythe. Adding 400 career wins wasn't even needed on his resume.
All of those Blueshirts coming off of the bench to congratulate Quick was an immense showing of respect. Quick clearly has a very big impact on this team.