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New York Rangers: Top five players of 2018

By Jennifer Moglia

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 29: Jesper Fast #17 of the New York Rangers is congratulated by teammates after scoring the go ahead goal against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena on December 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 29: Jesper Fast #17 of the New York Rangers is congratulated by teammates after scoring the go ahead goal against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena on December 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 29: The New York Rangers celebrate a 4-3 win against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on December 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 29: The New York Rangers celebrate a 4-3 win against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on December 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

In a calendar year when the New York Rangers weren’t the most successful team, there were a few stand-out players who made it worthwhile .

Say hello to 2019 and good-bye to 2018. Some would say good riddance.  2018 wasn’t a good year for the Rangers.  Their record in the 12 months was a mediocre 31-40-11.  38 different players suited up for the New York Rangers and we said goodbye to veteran Blueshirts Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, J.T. Miller and Michael Grabner.

But it all wasn’t bad news for the Rangers. Some players stood out in 2018 and gave fans reason to be excited.  Here are the top five, in no particular order.

NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 29: New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and New York Rangers, held on December 29, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 29: New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and New York Rangers, held on December 29, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider was one of the most impressive Rangers of 2018 for a number of reasons. Last year, during the 2017-2018 season, his campaign was limited due to a serious blood clot injury.

Even though his season was shortened to 58 games, the forward still recorded 37 points made up of 16 goals and 21 assists. Being able to bounce back from an injury like that is a huge accomplishment.

Being able to play just as well as you were before your injury is even better. Furthermore, he has been continuing showing off his skills into this season.

In 38 games, the 27-year-old has 31 points (20 goals and 11 assists). He is first on the team in goals, fourth in assists, and third in points. In his last six games, he has eight points, five goals and three assists, and had a four game goal scoring streak.

Many are predicting that he will even reach 40 goals by the end of the campaign, a mark he has never reached. If Chris Kreider was having an average year after coming back from having a blood clot, he would be praised regardless due to how difficult it is to get through that serious of an injury.

The fact that he is playing this well, at this fast of a pace, less than a year after such a dangerous ailment, is beyond amazing. If he keeps this up, the forward could end this season with career highs in multiple categories, and prove many people wrong.

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