New York Rangers: Who’s the Team MVP (Not Named Henrik Lundqvist)?
The New York Rangers have ridden starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist all season. As such, he is undoubtedly the team MVP. Taking Lundqvist out of the occasion there are several candidates.
The New York Rangers’ MVP so far this season is Henrik Lundqvist. And there is no question about it. At the midway point, the Rangers are in a playoff spot solely because of Lundqvist’s heroics.
While Lundqvist has been great, he isn’t the only player who deserves praise. The team MVP who’s not named Henrik Lundqvist is Jesper Fast. The Swedish forward plays up and down the lineup and has found a new offensive edge this season. There are a few ways to make his case.
Making the Case
Jesper Fast excels in any role that he is asked. His most important role is as the Rangers’ top penalty killer. The unit was horrendous last season and Fast’s growth has enabled the unit to make a step in the right direction. While he is primarily used as a defensive forward, his speed and forechecking ability lend itself to any situation.
Early in the season, the team struggled massively. The turnaround began when Fast returned from offseason hip surgery to the lineup in mid-October. His play style and skill set allowed head coach Alain Vigneault to utilize more attacking options when he is on the ice.
Vigneault has shifted Fast up and down the lineup this season. As the team continues to struggle, Vigneault has shuffled the lines, putting Fast as high as the first line at times. While he has gone into a scoring slump, Fast has put up solid point totals for someone who has missed games and often plays amongst the fewest minutes on the team.
Through 36 games this season, Fast has scored seven goals and 10 assists for 17 total points. While this doesn’t seem like all that much, Fast’s career high is 10 goals and 20 assists in 79 games. This season specifically, he has stepped up to the plate at every opportunity.
The Case Against Fast
The case made against Fast is silly, in that it is essentially the same as the case made for him. Truth be told, he is a role player and he doesn’t put up flashy offensive numbers.
Fast has played on the top line with players like Mika Zibanejad and Rick Nash, but he is out-of-place there. Fast isn’t a liability in any situation; however, he doesn’t have the same advanced offensive skill set that some of the other forwards do. He belongs in a middle six role but has been pushed up the lineup due to poor play and injuries to Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes.
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Overall, the argument against Jesper Fast is moot. He plays hockey the right way and is trustworthy in any and every situation. If there was any player named MVP, other than the illustrious Henrik Lundqvist, it should be Fast.