The Blue Shirts Come to Edmonton on a Six Game Win Streak
In his 705th career game (ALL as a NY Ranger) – Chris Kreider scored his 251st goal to pass the great Mark Messier for 7th all-time in NYR history. With that he has a realistic shot to pass both Camille Henry (256) + Vic Hatfield (262), respectively, this season, to move into 5th place behind Andy Bathgate (272), Adam Graves (280), Jean Ratelle (336) & Rod “Mr. Ranger” Gilbert (407).
With Gilbert, a HOFer & the teams All Time leader in games played, goals, and points it is conceivable that if Kreider plays another 5 years with the Rangers and averages 70+ games a year as he has in the past, as well as 30 goals a season he could become the new NYR all-time leader in goals and games played for the original 6 team that has been around since 1926. The consummate professional who puts the team first always will tell you that winning Lord Stanley is all he’s thinking about. With just one win it’s fair to assess that he will be put on the Mt. Rushmore of Blue Shirts along with the aforementioned Messier, Graves, & Brian Leetch. Rarefied Air, Indeed!
Artemi Panarin has had an amazing last 2 games. 6 goals ( a hattie vs. the surging Carolina Hurricanes!) and 2 assists to compliment numerous scoring opportunities while playing some seriously solid defense. Did you see his body check against Vancouver? It was impressive enough to make Trouba smile! Speaking of Trouba, let’s give his physicality some mega props the last few games. Tonight, against the Edmonton Oilers on some of the best kept ice in the NHL while going up against the SuperHuman Connor McDavid, expect the beyond belief brilliance of the Bread Man to continue!
Speaking of Connor McDavid, with just one point tonight against the NYR he will have hit the century mark for the 6th time in his 8 year career ( 97 points in the 2019-2020 Covid shortened season of 64 games). His 1.47 points per game, 4th all-time behind Gretzky, Lemieux & Bossy, is astounding & we believe making a run at the Great One’s fifteen 100 point seasons is not out of the question. Gretzky’s 4 Stanley Cups could be, however, especially if the Oiler organization doesn’t shore up the Defensive corp ASAP. You’re probably thinking Erik Karlson could fix this issue, and while he’s an offensive whiz he’s a defensive liability. Connor needs defensive help, like yesterday.
Special SO to McDavid & the Oilers for the Ben Stelter Fund, in remembrance of 5 year old Super Fan Ben Stelter who passed away August 2022 after battling a brain tumor so gallantly, with such courage. He inspired the hockey world and beyond during the Oilers run in the playoffs and his legacy lives on through his foundation.
Mika Zibanejad: Anybody who watches hockey has seen Mika Z not only turn into a big time point producer at all situations on the ice, but how about his defense in all sitchi’s? Faceoffs, PK, protecting a lead? The silky flowed center is looking like a Selke Award winner.
NYR Lines:
Top Lines : LW Chris Kreider; C Mika Zibanejad RW Vlad Tarasenko
LW Artemi Panarin C Vincent Trocheck RW Jimmy Vesey
LW Alexis LaFreniere C Filip Chytil RW Kappo Kakko
