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PHILADELPHIA (AP) – New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad and coach Mike Sullivan achieved a career milestone Saturday, one day after team president and general manager Chris Drury sent a letter to fans expressing disappointment with the way the season went.<\/p>\n
Zibanejad became the Rangers’ all-time leader in power play goals and tied the franchise record for hat tricks in New York’s 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The win was the 500th of Sullivan’s career.<\/p>\n
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Zibanejad, 32, scored a man-up in the second half for his 117th power play goal. She shared the Ranger record with Camille Henry and Chris Kreider, who had 116.<\/p>\n
“It’s really special,” Zibanejad said after the game. “It means that I have been given the opportunity to be here for a long time, that I am close to that.”<\/p>\n
Zibanejad’s ninth hat trick with the Rangers equaled Bill Cook’s career record.<\/p>\n
Sullivan praised Zibanejad for the example he showed during Rangers’ trying season, which they lost in five games on Saturday.<\/p>\n
“He’s really willing to try to play the game the way we try to play,” Sullivan said. “I think he’s personified the same way most of the year. We’ve challenged him to use his size and his physicality, offensively and defensively. I think he’s really embraced that challenge. He’s played really well for us.”<\/p>\n
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The Rangers’ latest challenge came on Friday when Drury sent a letter to fans saying “we know and feel your disappointment with the way the season has gone so far.” The letter indicated that changes may be on the way.<\/p>\n
“With our standing at the top and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation,” Drury wrote. “We will not stand still – change will give us the power to be wise and to have an opportunity as we rebuild the team. This will not be a rebuild. This will be a tool that has been rebuilt for our key players and our prospects.”<\/p>\n
Zibanejad admitted there were “all kinds of emotions” after the letter was sent and said he liked the way the team responded. He said it was “not an easy situation” but added that this type of win could bring a spark.<\/p>\n
“When changes come, try to make the most of the time we have as a team, the team we have right now,” said Zibanejad.<\/p>\n
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Sullivan entered his first season with the Rangers with 480 career wins after coaching the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins. He led the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017 during his 10 years in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
“I’m just thankful,” said Sullivan. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach in this league. It’s the biggest league in the world, and it’s a great honor to be a part of it in any capacity. Being a long-term head coach right now has been an incredible honor.”<\/p>\n
This latest win was special because of the circumstances that led up to it.<\/p>\n
“I think it speaks volumes about the character of the people in the room,” Sullivan said. “The last few days have been an amazing feeling for the whole team. To respond with an effort like they did tonight. … I think it’s a testament to the fact that these guys are great people, and they care so much about each other and the Rangers.”<\/p>\n
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AP NHL: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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