The New York Rangers: Legitimate Title Contenders?

By: Monte Perez

The New York Rangers are 3^rd in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 40-18-5, a total of 85 points. Part of their success has been the goaltender’s ability to literally “stand on his head” at time. Igor Shesterkin has 30 wins, 8 losses, and 2.05 goals against average. That is ranked 1^st in the NHL.  He is arguably the best net keeper in the NFL.

The Rangers offense has not been great, but they have been opportunistic. They are ranked 30^th in shots on goal per game. They are only getting 28.6 shots per night, but their offense is ranked 16^th in goals per game. Chris Kreider has been one of the best players in the entire NHL from the beginning of the season until now.

Kreider is 3^rd in the NHL with 41 goals and 1^st in the NHL with 21 power play goals. The former Boston College star has always been a decent scorer, but he has taken his game to the next level this season. Over the past three years he has scored 28,24, and 20 goals. In 2005-06 Jaromir Jagr set the record for most goals in a season as a New York Ranger with 54. Kreider is on pace to tie or break that record.

This Rangers team is top heavy, they don’t have a lot of depth, but their top players are all producing

• Artemi Panarin has 56 assists.
• Mika Zibanejed has 63 points.
• Adam Fox may win the Norris Trophy again this year as the NHL’s best defensemen.
• Gerard Gallant could win Coach of the Year.

If the Rangers can find a way to get more production out of their 3^rd and 4^th lines, this team can make a deep run in the playoffs. Their No. 1 line and goaltending can compete with anyone in the NHL. Will it be enough?

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