It is nearly go time for the 2020 Honda NHL All-Star Game in St. Louis and New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider is set to take center stage tonight.
Replacing Artemi Panarin, who is recovering from an upper-body injury, Chris Kreider will be representing the New York Rangers in St. Louis this weekend.
After going on a tear over the last 23 games with 19 points (11 goals, eight assists), Kreider earned his right to take part in his first ever All-Star Game.
It will be a special moment for the power forward who will no doubt be glad of the distraction as his future with the Blueshirts continues to remain up in the air.
However, for one weekend at least, Kreider can focus on enjoying his moment in the spotlight and pitting his wits against some of the premier talent in the National Hockey League.
It starts tonight as Kreider will be taking part in the Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater event, competing against the likes of Connor McDavid, Mathew Barzal, Jack Eichel and Quinn Hughes.
Tough competition to say the least.
And, on that note, let’s delve into some bold predictions for Chris Kreider this weekend…
1. Kreider to spring upset in Fastest Skater competition
One of the best events at the NHL All-Star Game is always the Fastest Skater competition, and this year should be no different.
Granted, Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid will no doubt be most people’s favorite to win the event given his scary speed.
However, the field is tough this year.
From Vancouver Canucks rookie phenom Quinn Hughes to Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny, not to mention Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders, McDavid won’t have it all his own way.
However, it could be a veteran of sorts that comes out on top with Chris Kreider no slouch when it comes to speed.
We all watch Kreider on a nightly basis and that man can move, so I predict that he blows away the field and beats out McDavid to be crowned the NHL Fastest Skater.
Man of the people. pic.twitter.com/2kZD2295q2
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 24, 2020
2. Kreider to kill it on the Red Carpet
Okay, so not so much of a bold prediction rather than a statement.
Chris Kreider is probably one of the most fashionable players on the New York Rangers, and he’s sure to dress to kill for such a huge event.
Given that the All-Star Game is all about showing off and having fun, a lot of players will look to really strut their stuff on the Red Carpet on Friday.
However, Kreider is more known for the understated but effective look, and that simple approach could pay off in the fashion stakes.
3. Kreider to thrive in All-Star Game
Right, let’s get back to hockey.
The main event of the 2020 All-Star Game will take place at Enterprise Center on Saturday as all four divisions look to be crowned the winner of the weekend.
Chris Kreider and the Metro Division will be facing off against a stacked Atlantic team in the Eastern Conference semi-final, with a place in the final against either the Central or Pacific Division at stake.
Given that the games are played in a three-on-three format – praise the lord – I have a feeling that Kreider will really come into his own on Saturday.
With his speed alone, Kreider will make the most of the open ice and with elite players in Mathew Barzal, Kris Letang and T.J. Oshie on his team, the Rangers forward will have plenty of opportunity to cause some damage.
As such, I predict that Kreider will tally a hat trick against the Atlantic Division and, if the Metro Division makes it through to the final, don’t be surprised if Kreider lights the lamp more than once again.