The New York Rangers finally got back in the swing of winning a game, thanks to help from different players up and down the lineup.
Some fans forgot what the winning feeling felt like for the New York Rangers.
The team got off to a slow start dropping their first three games despite being competitive. They bounced back, got a win and now the feeling around the team is much different.
This week’s three stars showcase some familiar faces and younger players, the theme of this 2018-19 New York Rangers team.
Here are the three stars from the week of Oct. 7 through Oct. 14.
3. Brett Howden
You really cannot say enough about the play of Brett Howden through the first two weeks of the season.
Pretty sure the @NYRangers are loving the fact that @B_Howdy21 is part of the squad. #SJSvsNYR pic.twitter.com/E3eCPn2M7n
— NHL (@NHL) October 11, 2018
Howden finished the week with just the goal but, it was something you definitely have to give another look at. He got around one of the games’ best defensemen in Brent Burns and put the puck in between his legs for a goal. This is not your normal NHL goal, this was something spectacular.
As each game has gone he has played moved along, the more and more responsibility he has seen. He has even seen time playing with some of the team’s top players in Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich.
An impressive start for the 20-year-old rookie.
2. Brady Skjei
Brady Skjei is starting to look like the Brady Skjei of 2016-17.
It's a celebration on Broadway tonight. The @NYRangers pick up their first W of the season in @EASPORTSNHL OT. pic.twitter.com/UptxRPEfiC
— NHL (@NHL) October 12, 2018
Skjei had the game-winning goal in the only game the Blueshirts won this week, in an impressive fashion. Just look at the patience Skjei shows. He outwaited Sharks’ goalie Aaron Dell, sending the Garden into celebration mode.
Jeff Gorton took a leap of faith in Skjei with a long-term extension this summer. So far through five games, Skeji looks like the player fans fell in love with three years ago.
1. Henrik Lundqvist
Henrik Lundqvist has not looked like a 36-year-old goaltender through four games.
Hank just being Hank (via @MSGNetworks) pic.twitter.com/uNRJ96rTf5
— Dom Renna (@drennaESNY) October 12, 2018
Lundqvist made 66 saves this week, including 41 in the Blueshirts’ 3-2 overtime win Oct 11.
In four starts this season, “the King” has a .938 save percentage and a 2.04 goals against average. He has put to bed the narrative of starting a season slowly, being the Blueshirts’ best player on the ice.
Honorable Mentions
- Jesper Fast: One point in two games.
- Mika Zibanejad: One goal in two games.
