The New York Rangers month of November continues to be the month in which they show they are in it to win it.
Only one team has been hotter in the month of November that is not named the New York Rangers. Really a remarkable statement considering the team’s 4-7-1 record entering play in November.
As the month has progressed, the Blueshirts have won and have seen some key players start to take a step forward reaching the next level. Along with that, they are seeing younger players start to take strides in the right direction.
While the month is still far from over, the Blueshirts could not have asked for a better way to respond than the way they have going 6-1-1. They are coming off an impressive 4-2 win over the Flordia Panthers, and have gotten points eight of their last nine games.
Here are the Blueshirts’ three stars from the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 18.
3. Fredrik Claesson
Fredrik Claesson has quietly had a big impact on this Rangers blueline.
Fredrik Claesson with the top-shelf beauty! What a shot for his first goal as a Ranger!#NYR pic.twitter.com/Th81QzI5Qg
— Hockey Daily #StickTogether (@HockeyDaily365) November 16, 2018
Yes, Claesson only has a goal on the week and there might be others who deserve this spot but, you really cannot ignore the work he has done in his short time with the Rangers.
Claesson has been a calming force on the Rangers’ blueline, not making any decisions where you scratch had. He always seems to be in the right position when he’s on the ice and it was nice to see him rewarded with a goal Thursday night.
2. Filip Chytil
Who said maybe it was better off if Filip Chytil was better off in Hartford?
Filip Chytil is feeling it #NYR pic.twitter.com/YgX6TEKAfp
— Dom Renna (@drennaESNY) November 18, 2018
After finally cracking the goal column Monday against Vancouver, Chytil has recorded a goal in all three games he’s played in this week. Not only has he scored, but his confidence level is at an all-time high right now, which is obvious by the way he is playing.
With Pavel Buchnevich out with an injury, it looks like Chytil will continue to get minutes in a top-six role. Funny how things can change considering only a week ago he was skating on the fourth line.
1. Chris Kreider
Chris Kreider is on another planet right now.
CHRIS KREIDER GIVES THE RANGERS THE 4-2 LEAD WITH A GORGEOUS SHOT!#NYR pic.twitter.com/HURdSIcVMf
— Hockey Daily #StickTogether (@HockeyDaily365) November 18, 2018
Kreider’s scored three goals and has picked up three assists in all three games the Blueshirts appeared in this week. But, the numbers are much more impressive if you dive in a little deeper.
He has 14 points in his last 14 games, eight of those points are goals. He has 11 goals on the season which is tied for 13th in the league with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Elias Pettersson, Elias Lindholm, and Kyle Palmieri. He is on pace to score 40 goals on the season.
Honorable Mentions
- Kevin Hayes: One goal and one assist in three games.
- Brett Howden: One goal and one assist in three games.
