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New York Rangers Stock Market: A Win and Some Messes

By Victoria Ranieri

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Neal Pionk #44 of the New York Rangers (r) celebrates his game winning overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on September 17, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime. Pionk is joined by Jesper Fast #17 (l) and Pavel Buchnevich #89 (c). (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Neal Pionk #44 of the New York Rangers (r) celebrates his game winning overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on September 17, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime. Pionk is joined by Jesper Fast #17 (l) and Pavel Buchnevich #89 (c). (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 31: New York Rangers Defenceman Neal Pionk (44) during the 2nd period of the Carolina Hurricanes game versus the New York Rangers on March 31, 2018, at PNC Arena (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 31: New York Rangers Defenceman Neal Pionk (44) during the 2nd period of the Carolina Hurricanes game versus the New York Rangers on March 31, 2018, at PNC Arena (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Up: Neal Pionk

Coach David Quinn’s method of benching players to light a fire under them has worked with Neal Pionk.

Neal Pionk was benched for two games. One being the Rangers’ first win of the season against the San Jose Sharks, the other being the loss against the Edmonton Oilers. Since his return to the lineup, Pionk’s impact is undeniable.

Pionk is currently riding a two-game point streak. He had an assist against the Calgary Flames and an impressive three assists against the Washington Capitals. Though he has not yet scored a goal, his passing has led to some impressive assists.

Pionk was called up late last season when the Rangers had no playoff hopes and opted to deploy younger players. He had a tremendous 10 game point streak just a few weeks after playing his first NHL game.

Not much was expected of the college free agent after he was signed, but he has turned into quite the asset for the team. At this point, he has proved he is capable of being a productive player at the NHL level and deserves a spot to grow and develop.

However, the fact that the Rangers have been carrying eight defensemen has posed a problem. But, with Fredrick Claesson out with an injury, Pionk should start to see the playing time he deserves.

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