Following a successful week, the New York Rangers suffered some brutal losses in the last seven days. Were there any players who stood out?
What a difference a week makes for the New York Rangers.
It looked like the team was starting to turn a corner, developing an identity after an impressive stretch recording three out of a possible six points against the Sharks, Capitals, and Flames.
Despite starting the week off strong, the Blueshirts ultimately folded losing two of the three games they played. It was not the losses that got everyone frustrated, it was the way they lost them.
Through it all, there were some players that came through in the clutch and have earned the honors of being one of the three stars for the week of Oct. 21 through Oct. 28.
3. Mats Zuccarello
2018-19 has not been too great for Mats Zuccarello but, he looks to be turning his season around.
ZUUUUUUUUUUUUC! FIRST OF THE YEAR FOR MATS ZUCCARELLO!#NYR pic.twitter.com/8QJV60ALnf
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) October 24, 2018
Zuccarello scored his first two goals of the season this week against Florida after being moved up to the teams’ first line. Clearly, the move worked for Zuccarello who’s game reached a different level this week.
Head coach David Quinn wants his team to shoot more, something that is not part of Zuccarello’s game. However, the message was received and Zuccarello showed it early in the week.
He finished the week with two goals, both against the Florida Panthers.
2. Tony DeAngelo
Tony DeAngelo might have been the lone brights spot in a tough game against L.A Sunday night.
TONY DEANGELO SCORES FROM BELOW THE GOAL LINE!#NYR pic.twitter.com/LHQaewfzOv
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) October 29, 2018
DeAngelo has struggled to make the Rangers lineup over the last couple of weeks but, when he does play, he produces.
He appeared in his first game since Oct. 11 and managed to score a goal and pick up an assist in the Blueshirts 4-3 loss to the Kings. Perhaps this could be the start of a good run for DeAngelo who has always had the offensive upside but, has not been given a legitimate chance to play.
1. Mika Zibanejad
With a strong week, Mika Zibanejad now leads the Rangers in goals.
Take it alllllll the way 'round, @MikaZibanejad. #FLAvsNYR pic.twitter.com/M5RG2fDb3r
— NHL (@NHL) October 24, 2018
Zibanejad finished the week with four points, all scored in the Rangers lone win against the Florida Panthers Oct. 23.
Over his last four games, the 25-year-old has scored seven points: four goals and three assists. Not only does he lead the team in goals, but he also leads them in points with nine which is tied for the 68th most points in the NHL.
The Blueshirts are hoping that the strong week is the beginning of something special for Ziabnejad.
Honorable Mentions
- Vladislav Namestnikov: Two points in the Rangers 4-3 loss to the Kings.
- Pavel Buchnevich: Two points in the Blueshirts three games this week.