New York Rangers: Top five hated opposing players

Cody Eakin

In hockey, the last person on the ice you want to mess with is your opponent’s goaltender.

Tell that to Cody Eakin.

Eakin developed a more recent hatred from Rangers fans after he laid a high hit on Henrik Lundqvist this past December.

The 26-year-old skated up behind Lundqvist who was controlling the puck behind the net and sent the goaltender and his helmet flying.

Eakin was assessed a five minute major for charging and was given a game misconduct. However, there was no evidence of retaliation from the Rangers in game action as play continued down through center ice.

After the final whistle had blown, the NHL suspended Eakin for four games. And Chris Kreider would take his revenge for the hit on Lundqvist in the Rangers next meeting with the Stars.

He and Eakin tangled up along the boards and Kreider let him have it when they dropped the mitts.

Kreider was fined $5,000 for hitting Eakin in the head with his helmet.  

When it comes to the Rangers run-ins with Cody Eakin, it seems things have just begun. For the time being, Eakin will continue to be the source of hateful thoughts for many New York Rangers fans.