It was a tough week for the New York Rangers with different challenges. Despite the hard schedule, they were able to fair pretty well.
The New York Rangers have not been off to the start they had hoped for. It did not get any easier last week with the schedule having them face-off against some of the best the NHL has to offer.
New York had to go up against the young and extremely talented Colorado Avalanche, the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, and the up and coming Calgary Flames. When it was all said and done though, the Blueshirts came out and surprised us all taking three out of a possible six points.
They saw efforts all around their lineup. Effort from some younger players along with effort from some familiar faces.
Here are the three stars from the week of Oct. 14 through Oct. 21.
3. Chris Kreider
Chris Kreider looks to like he is carrying over his solid play from the end of 2017-18.
That hand-eye from Chris Kreider, absolutely mint. #WNH pic.twitter.com/2h1IFshxLk
— NHL (@NHL) October 18, 2018
Kreider finished the week with three points, including two goals scored against Colorado and Washington. He is tied for the team lead in points with six and leads the team with four goals.
With a team struggling to score goals like the Rangers are, Kreider having a big week can serve as a major positive. Hopefully, he can keep up the pace he is going at and finally prove he is a legitimate goal scorer in the NHL.
2. Mika Zibanejad
After a slow start, Mika Zibanejad is starting to look the player he was last year.
MIKA ZIBANEJAD ROOFS AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY!#NYR pic.twitter.com/SZQdYoOKJZ
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) October 22, 2018
After only scoring one goal in his first five games, Zibanejad was on a tear last week. He finished the week with two goals and an assist including the beautiful shot above.
If the Rangers can get Zibanejad back to being a threat every time he is on the ice, their lack of scoring might not be that big of an issue.
1. Neal Pionk
What a week Neal Pionk had.
Zibanejad gives the Rangers a 1-0 lead, Kreider and Pionk with the assists. pic.twitter.com/ShPt4MvIWY
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) October 17, 2018
After practically not being a factor at all in his first four games of the season and being a healthy scratch, Pionk showed he was not going back to the press box.
He finished the week with four assists, three in the Rangers 4-3 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals. He is looking more and more like the player who scored 14 points in his 28 game audition a year ago.
Honorable Mentions
- Mats Zuccarello: Three assists this week.
- Kevin Hayes: One goal in three games this week.
