For the first time in 2018-19, the New York Rangers are on a winning streak. A streak that has seen some crazy games and performances unfold.
What a difference a week makes.
After two tough losses to the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings, the Rangers found a way to rebound an salvage the remainder of their four-game road trip.
Not only were they able to manage two road wins against two solid teams, but they also returned home and stopped the red-hot Buffalo Sabres on a night where Henrik Lundqvist turned back the clock.
That was just one of the many great performances that led the Blueshirts to a 3-0-0 week. Here are the three stars from the week of Oct. 28 through Nov. 4.
3. Mika Zibanejad
Mika Zibanejad continues to be playing at a high level.
MIKA ZIBANEJAD WINS IT IN THE SHOOTOUT!#NYR pic.twitter.com/KzVHzeCCy7
— Hockey Daily #StickTogether (@HockeyDaily365) November 2, 2018
Zibanejad was one of the more dominant Rangers all week coming up with some impressive games offensively and defensively on the road trip. He only finished the week with two assists, but his impact was so much more.
He had the game-winner in the shootout against the Ducks helping the Rangers hold on to win a game after they blew a lead for the second consecutive game. On top of his offensive game, he has been steady in his own end leading the way for the other young Ranger centers.
2. Jimmy Vesey
Jimmy Vesey has been doing a little bit of everything this year.
Jimmy Vesey walks in and fires a hard wristshot past Carter Hutton. pic.twitter.com/KoLI6jsLTl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 5, 2018
Vesey has been playing some of the best hockey of his young NHL career in 2018-19 and is finally starting to get rewarded. He already has five goals on the season, last season he did not reach five goals mark until Nov. 26.
Last week the third year forward with three points, including a two-goal game against the Buffalo Sabres Sunday night.
1. Brett Howden
Brett Howden is continuing to have a fine rookie season.
HOWDY HOWDY HOWDEN! BRETT HOWDEN JAMS ONE HOME!#NYR pic.twitter.com/cruT8fRnRf
— Hockey Daily #StickTogether (@HockeyDaily365) November 2, 2018
This week the 20-year-old picked up his first multi-point game with two points against the Ducks. He also added an assist Sunday against Buffalo.
More impressively, Howden held his own against some of the game’s best centers over the last four games. But, what was more impressive from Howden was that he won 54.4 percent of the faceoffs he took in the previous four games.
The Blueshirts are hoping the injury he suffered Sunday night is a minor one, and he is back in the lineup as soon as possible.
Honorable Mentions
- Chris Kreider: Two goals against the Sharks.
- Kevin Hayes: Two points in three games this week.
