A big week for the New York Rangers is in the books and another week where their depth players come up in a big way.
We have been saying all throughout the Alain Vigneault era that he loves to have a team that can roll four lines, he does and they are contributing in a big way.
Whether or not it is Boo Nieves, Jesper Fast, Paul Carey, David Desharnais, or Jimmy Vesey, the New York Rangers fourth line has been a strength for the team this year. They have provided a spark when necessary and are continuing to chip in offensively with some big goals.
It feels like the fourth line have made this list on a regular basis over the last few weeks, will they make it once again this week?
3. David Desharnais
David Desharnais has quickly become a favorite of head coach Alain Vigneault.
? Great pass and a great finish to finish to give #NYR the lead after 1! ?
Stay tuned for more on @MSGNetworks or https://t.co/TMLf6zaGIh. pic.twitter.com/NZmPT6By0T
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 20, 2017
Although he didn’t find the back of the net this week, Desharnais was masterful in setting up his teammates. This week Desharnais out up three points in three games while centering the Rangers fourth line.
Desharnais filled in for Mika Zibanejad while he was out with his concussion and it appears that the coaching staff was pleased with what they saw. He moved up from the fourth line to the second line in the Rangers 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night and is seeing an increased amount of ice-time, and rightfully so.
2. Nick Holden
It’s time to give Nick Holden some love.
Holden will forever be remembered by Ranger fans for his bad giveaways and the occasional defensive mishaps. But this week Holden showed glimpses of the type of player he was just a season ago when he scored a career-high 35 points.
This week Holden put up three points, one goal and two assists. His skill was really on display against the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils where he was making quality plays and decisions with the puck. Holden has seen an increased amount of ice-time playing on the first defensive pair with captain Ryan McDonagh and for the most part has done the job.
1. Henrik Lundqvist
It’s always difficult deciding between a goaltender and a forward for the first star, but not this week.
Lundqvist stops Marleau pic.twitter.com/obCCUhFUEk
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) December 24, 2017
Let’s just say that the Rangers did not put Henrik Lundqvist in a position to have success this week, but the 35-year-old goaltender showed that he still can carry a team when they need him most.
Despite going 1-1-1 in his three starts this week, Lundqvist had to face a barrage of high-quality shots. Lundqvist faced a combined total of 125 shots this week and stopped 118 of them. He carried the team against the New Jersey Devils where he made 45 saves to get the Rangers a point and he is the sole reason for the Rangers 4-1 win over the Ducks when he made 39 saves. Your goalie is the most important player on the ice and Lundqvist continues to play at a high level this year.
Honorable Mentions
- Paul Carey: Two goals and an assist this week.
- Jimmy Vesey: Two goals and an assist this week.
