On Saturday night, Chris Kreider made a significant impact on the New York Rangers’ game against the Minnesota Wild. Not only did he score his second game-tying goal, securing at least one point for the team in their shootout loss, but he also surpassed Andy Bathgate to claim the fourth spot for the most goals in Rangers franchise history.
Kreider’s goal came from a well-executed play in front of the opposing team’s net. He got a stick on a shot from Artemi Panarin at the top of the zone, leveling the score at four-all and ultimately forcing overtime. Vincent Trocheck praised Kreider’s contribution, highlighting his ability to come through in crucial moments.
Out of the eight goals Kreider has scored this season, five have come on the power play. Two of those goals were pivotal in key moments of the game, such as the go-ahead power-play goal against the Flames and the game-tying score against the Jets. Kreider has also been responsible for opening the scoring against the Hurricanes and the Coyotes, as well as recording a multi-goal game against the Sabres in the season opener with both power-play and shorthanded goals.
Kreider’s impressive performance this season places him just seven goals away from tying Adam Graves for third place on the Rangers’ all-time goal-scoring list. It is a milestone that he is likely to achieve this season, as the team gears up for their 12th game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.
Head coach Peter Laviolette commended Kreider’s achievement, emphasizing the significance of climbing up the ladder among the rich history of the New York Rangers. Laviolette recognized Kreider’s talent as a player and the dedication he has shown to reach this milestone.
Unfortunately, the defensive pairing of Zac Jones and Braden Schneider had a tough night on Saturday. They were on the ice for a goal against, heavily outshot, and struggled to defend against high-danger chances. Clearing the puck after extended shifts in the defensive zone proved to be a challenge for the duo throughout the game.
The Rangers made some roster moves, sending goalie Louis Domingue, center Jonny Brodzinski, and defenseman Connor Mackey back to AHL Hartford. This move allows the team to free up crucial cap space as they approach the trade deadline on March 8.
Artemi Panarin’s current point streak has reached 11 games, tying him with Darren Turcotte for the second-longest run in Rangers history. Only Rod Gilbert’s 14-game streak in the 1972-73 season remains ahead. This streak also marks Panarin’s third-longest point streak of his career.
The Rangers enjoyed a day off on Sunday and are scheduled to resume practice on Monday at the MSG Training Center.
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Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.