New York Rangers: Kevin Hayes’ Top Five Goals of the Year
May 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes (13) works out prior to game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
It’s time to take a trip down memory lane and look back on Kevin Hayes‘ top five goals of the 2014-15 season. And what a season it was for the New York Rangers rookie.
#5 – Kevin Hayes’ First NHL Goal
For a hockey player, there surely aren’t many better feelings than scoring your first NHL goal. Kevin Hayes’ first NHL goal came mid-way through the third period in a game against the San Jose Sharks. His goal gave the Rangers a solid 4-0 lead, which ended up being the last goal of the game as well.
The goal from a good intercepting play by Hayes, where he then tried to score a wrap around goal, but in the process ended up giving himself a good rebound, and was then able to score a quick wrist shot over the glove side of Alex Stalock.
#4 – Kevin Hayes Unbelievable Coast-To-Coast Goal
There aren’t many words you can use to describe this goal apart from Incredible. Yes, the defense by the Colorado Avalanche was… questionable. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this was a highlight-reel goal.
The play that led to the goal originally started deep in the Rangers own zone. It was Hayes who started the play, after he poke-checked the puck away as the Avalanche were going for a line change. He then went by himself all the way up the ice, and scored a tremendous Nash-esque goal, to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead.
#3 – Kevin Hayes Scores On Jaroslav Halak With Great Individual Effort
In a game where the classic New York rivalry is high, it’s always nice to see your team come out on top, and thanks to this game-tying goal by Hayes, the Rangers were able to do so.
The
held a steady 1-0 lead over the Rangers, but with a pair of penalties, the Rangers were able to shift the momentum in their favor. Just 18 seconds after the Islanders killed their third penalty of the game,
gave a long stretch pass to Hayes, who then showed an incredible work rate to hold off defenseman,
, and was able to spin around and score his 13th goal of the season.
#2 – Kevin Hayes Scores Overtime Winner Against Penguins
Now obviously, this wasn’t Hayes’ best, nor was it his prettiest goal of the season, but it was definitely one that had a big impact.
The goal came from a pass from
, who centered the puck to former Ranger
who tried to backhand the puck in, and as a result gave the pass to Hayes who slotted home the goal that won the game for the Rangers.
#1 – Kevin Hayes Scores Game-Tying Goal in Game 7 Vs the Washington Capitals
In a game where hearts were beating five times as fast, it really was a nerve wracking time to be a New York Rangers fan. And once again, this definitely wasn’t a pretty goal. But this goal in particular, had possibly one of the biggest impacts on the Rangers’ postseason.
The goal came on a Rangers power play that came from a Mike Green penalty. J.T. Miller was then able to pass the puck to Hayes on his stick, who then poked home the goal past Washington Capitals goalie, Braden Holtby, and tied the game for the Rangers at 1-1.
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