New York Rangers Player Power Rankings For Entire Team
By Robby Sabo
Apr 2, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello (36) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
8. Carl Hagelin, LW #62
The other half (Dominic Moore) of the best penalty killing forward-pairing in the league is speedster Carl Hagelin.
Hagelin is not only the fastest skater in the league, he makes up so much ground and makes so many little plays during the course of a game, that it’s simply amazing. His defensive and intangible abilities remain critical to the Rangers success in the upcoming playoffs.
If he had better hands and an accurate shot, he’d be one of the best players in the NHL.
7. Chris Kreider, LW #28
Jan 20, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Carl Hagelin (62) celebrates scoring the game winning goal on Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) during the overtime at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
If we want to discuss X-Factors, then young stud Chris Kreider needs to be mentioned.
Yes, Kreider has tallied 21 goals on the season. Yes, he’s a load to handle in front of the net. Still, the kid has so much more room to grow, and if he can elevate his game right now, he could be the equivalent to Alex Kovalev for the Rangers during the 1994 run.
6. Derek Stepan, C #21
Although Derek Stepan feels like he’s been around forever, he’s still only 24.
Stepan is a true 2-way forward who can do it all. Now, centering the second-line with Chris Kreider on the left and J.T. Miller on the right, Stepan must keep his recent offensive production going into the playoffs.
Although he’s only played 66 games, he’s third on the team with 55 points (16 goals and 39 assists).
5. Mats Zuccarello, LW #36
It’s possible no other Rangers player symbolizes the heart and soul of the team more than little Mats Zuccarello does.
For the Rangers, the act of hitting a player sometimes becomes non-existent. Fortunately, they have Zuccarello who’s willing to throw his body into anything and everything. He’s a pest who agitates the calmest of opponents.
And oh yeah, he’s the best playmaker on the team, pure and simple.
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