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New York Rangers Report Cards Round Two: The New Forwards

By Garrett Gartino

Dec 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Rangers left wing Matt Puempel (12) celebrates after scoring his third goal of the game for a hat trick during the third 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 left wing Matt Puempel (12) celebrates after scoring his third goal of the game for a hat trick during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner (40) scores n this breakaway against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner (40) scores n this breakaway against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Grabner

Previous Grade: A-

If people thought Grabner’s scoring was going to slow down from his early season scoring pace, they were mistaken. He has proved his doubters wrong to the tune of 26 goals in 58 games, including 13 in 30 games since our previous report cards.

Michael Grabner’s goal every other game pace has ranked him among the league’s elite scorers. Grabner currently ranks 10th in the NHL, and first on the New York Rangers roster in goal scoring.

His contributions have not been limited to his goal scoring, as his speed has created problems for opposing teams on a nightly basis. His speed has created an element that has meshed perfectly with the high hockey IQ’s of line mates Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller.

Grabner also continues to be one of the Rangers’ most consistent forwards on the penalty kill. His goal a man down in January helped the Rangers to their league-leading 8 shorthanded goals.

New Grade: A

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