New York Rangers: Michael Grabner playing under the radar

Michael Grabner is one of the Rangers’ offensive leaders, despite playing a third and fourth line role this season. He is also playing an important role in the Rangers’ special teams.

When it comes to the Rangers offense, the spotlight has recently been on the top six forwards. This particularly includes the “KZB” line of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich. However one player is managing to go under the radar: Michael Grabner.

Last season was Grabner’s second-best season statistically. He earned 40 points, almost 30 of which were goals. His only better season was his rookie season where he tallied 34 goals and 52 points.

Now Grabner is 30 years old and in his eighth NHL season. He is averaging around 13 minutes of ice time per game, which is less than the last two seasons. Despite this decreased role, he is finding ways to create offense.

Currently Grabner is second on the Rangers with 10 goals. Only Zibanejad has more with 11. He is also in the top 10 on the Rangers in points with 12 and in shots with 50.

Penalty Killing is Key

In addition to producing offensively, Grabner plays an important role in the Rangers penalty kill.

Last season, Grabner proved his penalty killing abilities. He tallied over 126 minutes of penalty kill time and earned three shorthanded points.

This season is more of the same for Grabner on the penalty kill. He has 50 minutes of penalty kill ice time in the first 24 games of the season. He does not have any shorthanded points so far, but he is generating chances.

This is where Grabner subtly proves he is one of the Rangers’ best assets at the moment. Many players are scoring goals, but contribution to the penalty kill is much more valuable and intangible.

New Opportunities with New Linemates

Part of Grabner’s early success could be attributed to the fact that Pavel Buchnevich was initially on the fourth line with him before moving to the first line. He did spend time on the fourth line without Buchnevich though and was still productive.

Now Grabner is on the third line with J.T. Miller and Mats Zuccarello. This is most likely a nod to his success so far. In the last four games, the line has a combined 9 points. Two of those points are goals scored by Grabner.

If that line continues to have chemistry, Grabner could continue to go under the radar as one of the Rangers’ offensive leaders. And with only a $1.6 million cap hit, the Rangers could not ask for more.

Next: New York Rangers: Checking in with the new-look Hartford Wolf Pack

While top six players will continue to draw attention and play the largest role in determining the Rangers success, Grabner can continue to contribute and go slightly less noticed.

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