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New York Rangers’ Offense Unstoppable With Offensive Defensemen

By Alexandra Russo

Dec 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Nick Holden (22) celebrates with center J.T. Miller (10) after scoring a power play goal in the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Nick Holden (22) celebrates with center J.T. Miller (10) after scoring a power play goal in the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the defense starting to contribute to the New York Rangers’ offense, the team is unstoppable when on the attack. Their forwards continue to find great chemistry with each other, even when the line combinations change. Now that the defense is coming up with more goals and assists, it makes for an extremely strong team.

The New York Rangers are receiving these contributions from their defense as of late, and it is a large reason for their recent success.

Players such as Dan Girardi, Nick Holden, and Kevin Klein scored a combined four goals in three games.

Girardi’s goal had tied the game against Columbus at 1 (shorthanded).

Klein’s two goals helped Lundqvist earn his 400th NHL career win in a game against the Avalanche.

The strongest teams in the league receive contributions from every position. Take the Washington Capitals, for example. One of their top defensemen, Matt Niskanen, has played in 55 games and has put up a respectable four goals and 28 assists. Currently, they hold claim to first place in the NHL.

The Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba and Ryan Suter are consistent defensive contributors. This allowed the Wild to rise to a top place in the league. Dumba and Suter have recorded 24 and 31 points, respectively.

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These teams represent examples of how much offensive contributions by defenders can make a difference. The offense tends to carry the burden of scoring all the goals. When the defense helps out, some of that pressure is relieved. This creates a better flow to the game on both ends of the ice.

In comparison to some other teams, the New York Rangers have done a good job of matching up in terms of defensive contributions. Ryan McDonagh’s 32 points lead his team’s defense, despite having only two goals this season.

New York Rangers
New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

Holden and Brady Skjei are tied at 27 points this season as of 2/16/17. However, they specialize in different departments when it comes to notching those points.

Holden has nine goals, two of which have been game-winners. Skjei, who is only 22 years of age, has proven he is capable of consistency with assists and as of late, has had numerous muti-point nights.

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For example, when Skjei scores two points a night, the Rangers’ record is better than when he is kept off the scoreboard. If the Rangers continue to play where their defense contributes on a regular basis, their play will remain equally as consistently.

This will, in turn, help them compete better with the challenging Metropolitan Division and other top teams in the league when the time comes.

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