NEW YORK – Because the buzzer sounded Sunday night time, Jonathan Fast’s New York Rangers teammates mobbed him enthusiastically within the crease.
The 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights got here a month after Fast’s earlier win and this one was further particular because it was the four-hundredth of his profession. That made him the primary U.S.-born goaltender to succeed in the milestone.
Following the victory — which snapped New York’s three-game dropping streak — Fast instantly credited his teammates.
“Nice effort up and down the lineup,’’ the 39-year-old goaltender stated. “All people competed. … That was a gutsy effort.”
Fast, who grew up as a Rangers fan in Connecticut and recorded 370 wins for the Los Angeles Kings and is in his second season in New York, was requested what private that means the win represented.
“It means I’ve been fortunate sufficient to play with plenty of nice hockey gamers who worth successful and put that above all else,’’ he stated. “I’m simply grateful that I’ve been on some nice groups over the course of my profession, this one included right here.”
Fast is the fifteenth goalie in NHL historical past to succeed in the 400-win mark, and the fourth to have performed for the Rangers — becoming a member of Henrik Lundqvist, Terry Sawchuk and Jacques Plante. Lundqvist reached the mark seven years in the past this month. Fellow American goalie Ryan Miller is sixteenth on the wins listing with 391.
Fast was 0-1-2 since win No. 399 at residence towards Boston on Jan. 2. He’s 7-5-2 for the season after successful 18 video games a yr in the past.
Fast gained the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014 and likewise was a part of the Golden Knights’ championship crew in 2023. He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy twice, and topped 30 wins six occasions with Los Angeles.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette stated Fast’s veteran presence as a backup to Igor Shesterkin has offered an vital management issue that filters by means of the lineup.
“In case you watch him every day, it’s not arduous to determine why he’s reached that quantity,’’ Laviolette stated. “It’s his work ethic, it’s the teammate that we get to see every day. He’s an awesome individual, works arduous, whole skilled.”
Defenseman Ok’Andre Miller — who had the go-ahead rating in New York’s three-goal third interval towards the Golden Knights — stated Fast’s contribution is notable even on the bench when Shesterkin is enjoying.
“Opening up the door for guys … placing up waters, simply doing something he can to be part of the crew and ensure the power is up and we’re staying locked into video games,” Miller stated.
Rangers main scorer Artemi Panarin, who had a objective and two assists in Sunday’s win, added that he too was thrilled for his goalie.
“Completely happy for him, congratulations,’’ Panarin stated. “I’m hoping he will get extra.”
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