Zibanejad 700th career point, Quick’s 32 saves, and more: 3 reasons why New York Rangers won 2-1 over Boston Bruins

The New York Rangers broke a four-game slide on Thursday night with a win over the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. The win, coupled with the New York Islanders' loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, catapulted the Rangers out of the Metro Division cellar.

Mika Zibanejad and Brett Berard scored for the New York Rangers in the first period. Elias Lindholm got the Bruins on the board in the second. Jonathan Quick got the start of the Rangers, earning a much-deserved win.

Here’s a look at the three reasons why the New York Rangers defeated the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.

3 reasons why the New York Rangers won over the Boston Bruins

#3 The Rangers stayed out of the penalty box

The New York Rangers took one penalty in the game. As such, staying out of the penalty box was crucial for the Blue Shirts as it allowed them to keep momentum going their way. Despite getting outshot 33-27, the Rangers controlled the pace most of the game.

While the Rangers failed to score on their only power play opportunity, their solid effort throughout the night was enough to preserve a 2-1 lead and take two crucial points home.

#2 Zibanejad snapped pointless streak, got 700th career point

Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring in the third period, notching his 301st goal and 700th career point. Zibanejad had been pointless in his last eight games entering Thursday night. He last tallied a goal against the Buffalo Sabres on December 11.

However, Zibanejad’s goal was crucial, as it allowed the Rangers to grab an early lead. Most importantly, reaching a significant career milestone could be the spark Zibanejad needs to get back on the plus side in scoring.

Zibanejad now has 22 points in 37 games this season. While not awful numbers, Rangers’ fans expect more from the 31-year-old Swede. As such, this game could be a momentum-shifter, propelling Zibanejad to catch fire.

#1 Jonathan Quick preserved the win

Jonathan Quick got the start in place of Igor Shesterkin on Thursday night. Quick was sharp, making 32 stops. In particular, Quick made two key saves in the game to preserve the win.

First, Quick robbed John Beecher in close during the second period. With the Rangers up 2-0, Quick saved a point shot. The rebound landed on the doorstep with Beecher firing a sharp backhander that Quick promptly stopped.

Second, Quick committed larceny by stealing a sure goal from Charlie McAvoy with a little over five minutes to play in the second. With the game 2-1 at that point, a rocket from point led to a rebound that David Pastrnak dropped to McAvoy for a wicked one-timer.

However, Quick slid across to make a fantastic stick save. Both saves on Beecher and McAvoy kept the Rangers in the game. Had the Bruins scored, the B’s could have walked away with a victory. Instead, Quick preserved the win.

The Rangers will hit the ice again on Saturday night as they take on the Washington Capitals at the Capital One Arena.