Jesper Fast is Dialed In
With another recorded assist last night during the New York Rangers 1-2 victory over the Devils, Jesper Fast has quietly registered five points in five games. Over this time, the Rangers have won four out of five games as the team currently rides a three game winning streak.
Over the last 7 games (since Jan. 22 at CAR), Derick Brassard, Jesper Fast, & J.T. Miller have registered 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists).
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 9, 2016
Fast, Miller and Brassard have played lights out lately and their ability to register goals and assists has somewhat carried the Rangers over the last seven games. During this stretch the New York Rangers have gone 5-2, while winning their last three in a row.
Jesper Fast Specs.
Position: RW
Height: 6′ 0”
Weight: 188
Age: 24
2015-16 Season: 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists)
This young winger’s talent has been on full display recently. Jesper Fast has tallied six assists in seven games, which has directly impacted the performance of the other young New York Ranger, J.T. Miller. Fast has assisted Miller on four of Miller’s last seven goals. Fast also assisted Yandle’s one-time snipe that forced overtime play in their shootout victory over Philadelphia.
Fast only has 20 points so far this season, which may be why he has not seen the media spotlight shine on him. However, this may soon change. Since Nash has been out with his lingering bone bruise, Fast has been logging big minutes on the same line as Brassard and Miller, which is arguably the Rangers best performing line right now and Brassard has no complaints. Brass commented on playing with Fast,
"“I love playing with that guy. He does everything well. You know what to expect from him. He doesn’t cheat, he goes right through you and he’s got some offense in him.”"
One thing is for certain, Fast’s work ethic and will to win is very evident to his coach and teammates and Alain Vigneault has started to rely on Jesper during pivotal moments of play to fill the void Nash’s injury has created. Vigneault commented on Fast’s ability and the confidence he has in his winger to the media after the Rangers beat the Wild last week,
"“I have so much faith and confidence when he is on the ice. I know that defensively he is going to be in the right position and I know that with the puck he is going to make the right play. We see this young player here growing and getting better every game. I really have a lot of confidence when he is on the ice.”"
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Vigneault also appreciates Fast’s incomparable work ethic and it has not just now become visible. He has been working extremely hard his entire Rangers career. Vigneault touched on this last year during the playoffs,
"“He’s got tremendous hockey sense – both defensively and offensively. He can read the game really well and he works like an SOB. He works and he works and he works. He just doesn’t stop, and that’s what makes him a really effective player.”"
Fast may not posses the precision passing ability that Mats Zuccarello has, but these two share very similar qualities. Both Zuccarello and Fast play bigger than they are, never hesitant to impose their will onto their opponents and they both are also very energetic hockey players who win their fair share of puck races.
The New York Rangers may not have the leagues most powerful team, but they are starting to show everyone that they can find ways to win. They dominate 5-on-5 play and have proved that they can win without McDonagh in the lineup. Young players are starting to play larger roles on the team and they have yet to disappoint. The only question is will they be able to maintain this level of play throughout the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs?