Another week is in the books in the 2017-18 NHL season and the New York Rangers continue to play some of their best hockey of the season.
After losing two in a row following their six-game winning streak, the New York Rangers have turned things around, avoiding an extended losing streak.
The Rangers allowed just three goals at even strength in four games this week with solid play all throughout the lineup. They seem to have really cracked down defensively and it is paying off.
With another strong week on the ice, here’s a look at this week’s three stars of the week.
3. Jesper Fast
Jesper Fast continues to be one of the most underrated players on the Rangers but broke through this week in a big way.
Fast had a four-point, including three goals, week this week and is continuing to play his solid all-around game. He has become a favorite of head coach Alain Vigneault, who isn’t afraid to play in him all types of situations.
If there is ever a player that does all of the little things right, it is Jesper Fast. His solid play has led to him rapidly moving up in the Rangers lineup and it doesn’t look like he’s ready to go back to a bottom six role.
2. Chris Kreider
Chris Kreider got off to a disappointing start to the season, but that seems to be behind him after a strong week where he notched three goals.
Overall, Kreider had four-point week, scoring some clutch goals with the Rangers, who were desperately in need of a wakeup call. It looks like he has turned a corner and the Rangers couldn’t ask for anything else.
If this is the start of a consistent stretch for Kreider, the Rangers would be more than happy to let him play. Kreider has yet to become the type of player that the Blueshirts thought he could be when they took him 19th overall in the 2009 draft. He has shown flashes of what he could be but has yet to do it consistently.
1. Henrik Lundqvist
The King is back and in a big way.
Even when the Rangers were on their six-game winning streak, Lundqvist was not at the top of his game. After allowing four goals against Chicago in a 6-3 loss, Lundqvist has allowed just seven goals in the last five games.
Perhaps Lundqvist’s best game this week was his 40-save performance against the Detroit Red Wings where the Rangers were slow to get things started. Both teams traded chances but Lundqvist’s play in goal allowed for the Rangers to stay in the game and snatch the 2-1 victory.
Honorable Mentions
- Mika Zibanejad: Two goals and an assist.
- Brady Skjei: Three assists.
