The New York Rangers saw their six-game winning streak come to an end this week but still had some contributions in the battle to keep that streak alive.
Even in two straight losses, the New York Rangers are continuing to get contributions all throughout the lineup.
Despite coming up short against the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets, the Rangers found themselves right in the middle of the action thanks to the efforts from this week’s three stars.
You don’t like the losses, but you have to like that several players showed up and gave a solid effort. With that, here are this week’s three stars of the week.
3. Henrik Lundqvist
Henrik Lundqvist had to face 72 shots in two games this week where he stopped 66 of them.
When looking at the numbers and you see six goals allowed on Lundqvist’s box score for the week you must be asking yourself, how is he even considered to be a star of the week? But, looking deeper at the numbers, Lundqvist is the reason why the Rangers even had a chance to win all two games this week.
Lundqvist did his best to keep the Rangers in games this week, the difference compared to the last two weeks is that he hasn’t been getting the support in front of him.
2. Kevin Hayes
Kevin Hayes has been struggling to find the back of the net this season but was able to get one past Corey Crawford Wednesday night.
Throughout much of the season, Hayes has taken on more of a defensive role. It’s nice to see him start to look to make more of an impact offensively like he did against Chicago. He has found success in this defensive role especially when Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers were in town a week ago.
Hayes starting to find his game offensively is a big boost for the Rangers who haven’t seen production outside of Mika Zibanejad at the center position.
1. Rick Nash
It’s starting to Nashty for the Rangers and Rick Nash, who looks like he’s rebounded from his slow start with two points this week.
Nash is continuing to play well in all three zones and always seems to show up every game. Head coach Alain Vigneault moved up the veteran to the Rangers’ first line, looking for answers against the Columbus Blue Jackets: A true testament to how well Nash has played.
With a goal and an assist this week, Nash now finds himself scoring five points in his last five games. His seven goals rank third on the team and he is seventh on the team with 11 points.
Honorable Mentions
- Mika Zibanejad: One goal in two games.
- Pavel Buchnevich: One assist in two games.
