This week was a big week for the New York Rangers who were looking to get back on the winning track.
It was a busy week for the New York Rangers as the struggling Blueshirts were trying to break out of their slump. The team has fallen to last place in the Metropolitan Division and have lost seven of their last 10.
With the team continuing to struggle, it is even harder to put pieces like these together. The team really hasn’t played any inspiring hockey and the same old issues continue to be a problem. But games were played and some players stepped up.
Here are the three stars for the week of Feb. 4 through Feb. 11.
3. Henrik Lundqvist
Just like always, when Henrik Lundqvist is on top of his game, the Rangers have a chance.
Lundqvist had an up and down week for the Blueshirts. There were times where it looked like nothing could beat him. And there were times where everything and anything were getting past him.
Even with the inconsistent play, Lundqvist is still managing to keep the Rangers in games. He had to make 33 saves in two periods against Dallas, but the Rangers couldn’t score, resulting in a loss. Against Calgary, Lundqvist came on in relief of the injured Ondrej Pavelec, making 28 saves to help break the team’s four-game losing streak.
2. Rick Nash
Rick Nash has been increasing his trade value the last couple of weeks.
Knowing you are on the trading block must be a major distraction at times. For Nash, it looks like he’s using it as motivation.
Since Jan. 16, Nash has found the back of the net eight times. He continues to be a force driving to the net, giving the opposing goaltender problems. He is starting to look like the Rick Nash from the 2014-15 season. Nash’s play of late, without a doubt, increases what the Rangers could receive in a potential trade for the 33-year-old winger.
1. Jeff Gorton and Glen Sather
Yes, you read that correctly. Jeff Gorton and Glen Sather are this week’s first star.
A Message from Glen Sather and Jeff Gorton. pic.twitter.com/Q56CXS8vDc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 8, 2018
This may seem strange, but how can Gorton and Sather not bring home the first star? They did something that we rarely see in sports. Transparency.
It has been no secret that the Rangers have been struggling. Gorton and Sather know that and are admitting that it’s time the franchise go in a different direction. The two penned the letter above explaining to fans the reasoning behind this new direction. They also held a press conference Thursday afternoon where they addressed why they decided to do this.
Honorable Mentions
- J.T. Miller: Three points in three games.
- Kevin Hayes: Two points in three games.
