Chris Kreider, like Perreault, played at Boston College. Like Perreault, Kreider was selected by the Rangers in the first round of the NHL Draft; Kreider chosen No. 19 in 2009, and Perreault No. 23 in 2023. Like Perreault, Kreider went to the NHL after playing in the NCAA Tournament.

The Rangers' 5-4 OT win over Minnesota put them back on the Canadiens' heels in the chase for the last playoff spot.

The Rangers (35-32-7, 77 points) are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and have a 5-9-0 mark this season against their final eight opponents. They are tied with the Canadiens for the final wild card, but Montreal has a game in hand. Columbus is two points back but has two games in hand on the Rangers.