BOSTON — Jonathan Quick took a slice of history away from the Rangers’ 5-2 victory over the Bruins on Thursday by registering the 391st victory of his career that tied Ryan Miller for the designation of the winningest U.S.-born goaltender in NHL history.
“You know, it takes a lot to win one game, right, and you need coaching, four lines, six D, so I’ve been fortunate to play with a lot of great players,” Quick said after his 24-save performance. “I’m grateful for the work they’ve put in to allow me to achieve that.”
The veteran’s career accomplishments were a known quantity but coming off two consecutive down years that included last season’s rude dismissal by the Kings and subsequent trades to Columbus and Vegas, Quick’s present value was a question mark.
But the 2023 bargain free-agent signee has turned into an exclamation mark through the two-time Cup winner’s first season on Broadway that has earned the Connecticut native a one-year extension with a nice bump, but hardly as significant a bump as Quick has given the Blueshirts by going 16-5-2 with a .916 save percentage and 2.44 GAA.
The netminder — who achieved his first career victory on Dec. 6, 2007 as a 21-year-old call-up for the Kings — was outstanding in the first period when the Bruins had their best session of the night.
Quick’s biggest save came on Brad Marchand from point-blank range with 5:50 remaining and Boston holding a 1-0 lead.
“He was great the whole game but especially in the first period,” said emerging nation Braden Schneider. “Unreal, unreal guy, so glad he’s on our team.
“Legend. I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s an amazing player and an amazing person.”
Peter Laviolette became the ninth person in NHL history to coach 1,500 NHL games with a career that began in the Boston organization as head coach of AHL Providence before joining the B’s as an assistant in 2000-01.
“I didn’t actually know it was tonight,” Laviolette, 798-523-179, said before the match. “I’ve said this before but I just feel fortunate.
“I’ve been in the game for a long time and worked with so many great players and great coaches and organizations, so I feel fortunate for that.
“That’s a big number, though.”
Matt Rempe returned to the lineup after a five-game absence and played a rather uneventful 5:11 while credited with one hit and one shot while on for Boston’s third-period tying goal.
Artemi Panarin after scoring his fourth empty-netter of the season and 21st of his career: “Specialist.”
