GIF: Watch Kevin Hayes score his first career NHL goal

Kevin Hayes scored his first career NHL goal on Sunday night against the Sharks.

Kevin Hayes has been one of the Rangers more active forwards the past two games, and that again was the case Sunday evening as the Rangers beat the Sharks 4-0. The rookie forward had come close on a few occasions to netting his first NHL goal, but had been goalless ... until Sunday night.

With Hayes centering a line of Chris Kreider and Rick Nash, he was bound to have a bit more space on the ice, and space that Hayes took advantage of early in the third period when he scored his first career NHL goal.

Hayes, who played his college hockey at Boston College and signed with the Rangers this summer, didn't play much center last season, but has looked strong and comfortable in that role for New York. Having Kreider and Nash on a line always helps, but Hayes' size and strength have been noticeable, and were on that goal.