The New York York Rangers will be playing their 18th Game 7 in franchise history on Monday night. The setting for this one is at the Prudential Center against the New Jersey Devils
Their record stands at 11-6 in those contests. Furthermore, the Rangers have won eight of their last nine Game 7 matches and are 11-2 since 1992 when they beat the Devils 8-4 in the semifinals.
New York played their last Game 7 in the 2022 postseason, when they beat the Carolina Hurricanes in round two by a 6-2 score.
Editor’s Note: Updated on April 30th, 2023 to reflect last year’s playoffs
New York Rangers Game 7 heroes
As the Rangers prepare for action, many will be looking to the big stars to be the difference maker in Game 7. If history has anything to say about it, the game-winning goal is likely to come off the stick of someone you wouldn’t expect.
A quick look at the game-winning markers for the New York Rangers does have stars like Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Brad Richards, and recently Artemi Panarin on the list. But more often it was players like Benoit Pouliot, Aaron Asham, and Dan Girardi lighting the lamp.
And let’s not forget one of the biggest playoff goals in Rangers history came off Stephane Matteau’s stick in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final in double OT over the New Jersey Devils. A noted role player if there ever was one.
| GAME 7 GWG | Year | Round | Opponent |
| Ryan Strome | 2022 | RD 1 | @ Carolina Hurricanes |
| Artemi Panarin (OT) | 2022 | RD 1 | Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Derek Stepan (OT) | 2015 | RD 2 | Washington Capitals |
| Brad Richards | 2014 | RD 2 | @ Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Benoit Pouliot | 2014 | RD 1 | Philadelphia Flyers |
| Aaron Asham | 2013 | RD 1 | @ Washington Capitals |
| Michael Del Zotto | 2012 | RD 2 | Washington Capitals |
| Dan Girardi | 2012 | RD 1 | Ottawa Senators |
| Mark Messier | 1994 | SCF | Vancouver Canucks |
| Stephane Matteau (2OT) | 1994 | ECF | New Jersey Devils |
| Adam Graves | 1992 | RD 1 | New Jersey Devils |
So if the New York Rangers win Monday, it could very well be a goal off the stick of Artemi Panarin or Patrick Kane. Maybe it will Mika Zibanejad or Chris Kreider.
Just don’t be surprised if Tyler Motte, Barclay Goodrow, or Ryan Lindgren becomes the next name on the list above.
Note: Thank you to NYR PR staff for some of the research in this article.
