Apr 11, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals right wing Joel Ward (42) chases in the second period at Verizon Center. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Since joining the New York Rangers at the tail end of the 2011-2012 season, Chris Kreider has given hope that the team’s future is secured.
Originally the 19th overall pick of the 2009 Entry Draft, he signed his first professional contract and joined the team just in time for their playoff run. His first games as a professional were in the post season and flourished scoring five goals and seven points in 18 games.
From there, it’s been nothing but history for him. After a rough patch with then-head coach John Tortarella, Kreider’s found his footing and remained a mainstay under present head coach Alain Vigneault.
New York Rangers
With Vigneault’s up-tempo style of play, Kreider has made the adjustment and started to reap it’s rewards. Last season, he set career best in three of the major offensive categories: goals (21), assists (25), and points (46) in 80 regular season games played, another career high.
Those numbers should climb as he plays more and gets more comfortable with his game. It’s an added benefit to be on the same line as a playmaker like Derek Stepan, who looks to get the puck to Kreider any chance he gets.
We flashback to Kreider’s top five goals last season. Normally, fans associate him with driving hard to the net and bumping into goalies “accidentally on purpose”. Perhaps, it’s that fear that makes goalies tremble when they see a streaking Kreider on their right.
He’s not just a one-dimensional player coming at you, like a out of control Ferrari. Now, he has the element of a scoring touch that makes him unpredictable. And, that’s what made, and will make Kreider a dangerous player to play against.
Here are his top five goals from the 2014-2015 regular season:
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