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New York Rangers: Five players who’ve succeeded under Alain Vigneault

By Nicholas Zararis

SUNRISE, FL - NOVEMBER 4: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers looks on during second period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB
SUNRISE, FL - NOVEMBER 4: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers looks on during second period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Chris Kreider
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Chris Kreider /

Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider has the record for most NHL playoff goals before scoring a regular season goal. He made his debut during the 2011-2012 playoff run in which the Rangers lost in the Eastern Conference final to the Devils.

That brief debut showed flashes of a dynamic winger that featured game-breaking speed. Kreider’s game was extremely raw at the time and needed refining to be more consistent. When plays weren’t there for him to use his speed, he seemed lost.

Over the past several seasons, Kreider has found his calling: being in front of the net. Kreider is one of the best players in the entire league at deflecting the puck into the net. This part of his game came slower and took time to find.

There were times it wasn’t always clear if Kreider would get it. Under Tortorella, he was moved around the lineup with reckless abandon and not always put in a position to succeed. The first season under Vigneault also had bumps, even resulting in a healthy scratch early in the season.

Last season he had a career-high in goals with 28, but his shooting percentage was a bit higher than his career average. Before this season started Vigneault laid down a challenge to Kreider, be the beast he was in game six against Ottawa more consistently.

If Vigneault continues to push Kreider the way he has in the past, a 30 goal season is a good bet.

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