Despite the team’s success through the first 10 games of this season, some players have yet to make a big enough of impact for fans to notice.
A player that many fans had high expectations on is Chris Kreider. Coming off a career-high 2014-2015 season in all the major offensive categories, Kreider was predicted as one of the players whom would take the next step in his evolution as a Ranger.
May 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) skates with the puck during the first period of 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
So far, he hasn’t quite reached that level yet.
In the month of October (excluding this upcoming Friday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs), Kreider has one goal and four assists, and carries a +5 rating. But, it’s been a quiet offensive production.
Granted, we are talking about a season that is still young, plenty of time for a player of Kreider’s abilities to produce near or above the output fans expect him to be at. However, it’s that luxury that can’t be taken for granted.
As of now, he is on pace for a 40-point season (five points for every 10 games this season). That means, Kreider would produce only eight goals and 32 assists this season.
That type of offensive output is not going to cut it with Rangers fans.
After last season’s loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, he took time the offseason to train in preparation of this season. His regiment changed to an almost 24/7 schedule, working out with his strength and conditioning coach Ben Prentiss, religiously.
"(Kreider) did, I think, 56 workouts. He never missed a workout: five or six days a week, holidays, July 4, whatever. It didn’t matter"
Kreider also included the training of his mind, by consulting with a sports psychologist to help him achieve the level of success expected of him.
He even said the right things about the upcoming season this past July in an article on espn.com.
"We’ve got to step up and take a larger role as individuals and contribute more and be more consistent across the board. The leaders will set the tone and we’ve got a really good group of vets, so it’s up to the young guys to follow"
Now, it’s the matter of execution.
So far this season, his possession numbers are average, which is a little concerning for a player expected to be better for the Rangers. According to hockey-reference.com, are his advanced statistics:
- Corsi- 50.2% the Rangers were controlling the puck while Kreider was on the ice. That’s accounting for shots on goal, blocked shots, and missed shots both for an against.
The team possesses the puck a little better than half of the time he’s on the ice. It could be better, and from a player like Kreider, that needs to improve if he wants to take his overall game to the next level. He certainly has the size and speed to be feared on the ice. Most goalies should fear him when he drives towards the net, while fans loathe him and serenade him with boo’s and other “niceties”. Just ask the Montreal faithful.
As you saw, Kreider is still able to get under the skin of players, even if it was a couple of years ago. That is where he needs take advantage of. Live up to the nickname the Kraken, wrecking havoc for his opponents, while imposing his offensive will on defenses.
That’s the kind of effort Rangers fans are waiting for. Driving hard to the net, getting scoring opportunities, and making things happen. If he does more of these things consistently, watch out in New York, and the rest of the League.
Making a slight modification to the Seinfeld line by George: “The (Kraken) was angry that day, my friends, like an old man trying to send soup back in a deli.”
Oct 15, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider (20) talks with referee Brad Watson (23) during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
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