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New York Rangers: Five silver linings after elimination

By Alexandra Russo

May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates after scoring a goal against Ottawa Senators goalie Mike Condon (1) with teammates during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates after scoring a goal against Ottawa Senators goalie Mike Condon (1) with teammates during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers
May 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) scores a goal past Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) during the third period in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

3.) Chris Kreider and Michael Grabner Have Confidence

Kreider walked into the playoffs in his sleep, and it was obvious for the first few games. His play picked up at points, but overall, he wasn’t as noticeable as possible. He had a great regular season, but something was definitely off in the postseason.

The thing about Kreider is that he is, in fact, a talented player. He has speed, he has skill, he just doesn’t know how to use them. Or maybe it’s simply that he doesn’t know how to use them all the time, especially in vital times. However, he woke up in the third period, and he scored that goal 53 seconds in. It gave him confidence because, personally, he went out on a good note.

Grabner, with an empty-net goal in game one of the 2017 Playoffs against the Canadiens, got his game going fast. He came out like a beast every night and never stopped. He was perhaps the best Ranger on the ice at any given time.

In his first season with the Rangers, he had his up moments and his down moments, but he played his best when it mattered most. The confidence he takes from this postseason has to spill into next season.

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