Another week and another four-game losing streak for the New York Rangers. Could we even find three stars?
If this week has any indication on how this New York Rangers rebuild will take shape, it is going to be very tough finding three stars.
Thankfully for the Rangers though they did get contributions from key players that are on the trading block. With that, trade values increased as the Rangers keep sinking into last place in the Metropolitan Division.
Here are the three stars of the week for the week spanning 2/11-2/18.
3. Mats Zuccarello
Mats Zuccarello has had a quiet season, but yet still leads the team in points.
We all thought that Zuccarello’s status with the Rangers was safe. But with this potential rebuild, anything is on the table so Zuccarello putting up points is nothing but perfect.
This week, Zuccarello put up three points, including two goals. His goal against Winnipeg on Feb. 11 was his first goal since Dec. 16, a span of 26 games. In that span, the Rangers have gone 9-16-2, only scoring 63 goals. They have missed Zuccarello’s consistent production and hope that this little scoring stretch is the start of a long streak.
2. Michael Grabner
Michael Grabner might get the Rangers a first round pick in a potential deadline trade.
Grabner has now scored 52 goals in his time with the Rangers. The thought of that two summers ago would have been mind-boggling.
Throughout his time with the Blueshirts, Grabner has been a consistent force. One that has been greatly missing. Not only does four points this week show how valuable of a player he is, but his overall game continues to amaze. If the Rangers do go through with a trade involving Grabner, he will be greatly missed.
1. Kevin Hayes
Where has this Kevin Hayes been all season?
This season, head coach Alain Vigneault asked Hayes to focus more on the defensive side of the game. Hayes has done that and has done it well, but it has hurt his game offensively.
Hayes broke out in a big way this week with a five-point week. He was setting teammates up while taking the shot instead of deferring. He has an underrated shot that he needs to start using more. If he does that, on top of his solid defensive game, he will become even more of a force in the Rangers lineup.
Honorable Mention
- Pavel Buchnevich: Two points in his two games back from injury.
