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New York Rangers’ Jesper Fast is a secret weapon

By Alexandra Russo

May 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) and Ottawa Senators center Ryan Dzingel (18) fight for the puck during the second period of game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) and Ottawa Senators center Ryan Dzingel (18) fight for the puck during the second period of game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 Playoffs have seen the New York Rangers perform some dazzling offensive feats. In particular, Game Three against the Senators last night showcased this talent. However, the team’s offense wouldn’t be able to be as lethal as it is without Jesper Fast.

At the young age of 25, Fast has unmistakably been a huge part of this New York Rangers’ team. Unfortunately for him, that sometimes goes unnoticed because of the team’s more prominent goal scorers such as Rick Nash and Michael Grabner.

Of course, players like the ones mentioned above are integral parts of the Rangers, but they always get the spotlight. Still, Fast deserves more recognition for what he does for this team at all parts of the ice, in every zone, every night.

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One of Fast’s greatest attributes is his ability to determine where the puck will be before it gets there. His positioning makes for very few mistakes (if any), and it helps with accurate passing, as well.

Most recently, Fast was seen helping Grabner on a short handed goal in Game Two. And even more current than that, he registered two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Game Three. It’s the small things like those that go unnoticed but seriously impact the game.

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Fast is a defense-first forward, and while it may mean that he doesn’t score as much as others, it helps the team where they need it most. While the Rangers’ defense isn’t the best, with forwards such as Fast, it doesn’t seem as bad. He has a knack for breaking up plays in the neutral zone, and it shortens the Senators’ breakouts.

He did a lot of these same things in the series against Montreal, as well. These plays are a large part of what has pushed the Rangers forward and sometimes what gives them an extra spark, as evidenced in Game Three.

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Jesper Fast must continue to play to his strengths, a lesson for the rest of the New York Rangers, as well. He is solid defensively, provides great offense, and can make accurate passes. Overall, he is a large part of the team’s success. He may be not be a top-six forward, but he is reliable, durable, and can take this team far.

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