The top 10 Ranger goals of calendar year 2021

2021 is coming to a close, and the Rangers have had a very eventful year. In this calendar year the Rangers have scored a total of 259 goals. While the Rangers’ late comeback goals in Arizona were pretty awesome, they aren’t among the best.   Let’s take a look at some of the best goals of 2021.

Here’s the criteria for selection.  I looked at several factors, the most important being if it was an individual effort or show of skill. Did the player go coast to coast through the entire team, did someone dangle the defenseman one-on-one leading to a goal? Second, was there an amazing setup leading to the goal. For example did Panarin undress the defense leaving Strome wide open for the easy tap in? Finally, pure entertainment or shock value. Did the goal leave me saying how did that go in, or was it a last second game tying or winning goal?

Honorable mentions

The honorable mentions are in no specific order so here we go.

Kakko’s first of the year – November 14

Kaapo Kakko was projected by many to have a breakout season. Coming into the game Kakko had zero  points in 10 games and desperately needed a goal, and what a way to get on the board.

Not only that, he scored the winning goal in the shootout against New Jersey.

Fox’s shorty vs Florida – November 8

Adam Fox is making waves in his campaign for reelection as the leagues best defenseman.   It’s not everyday you see hands like this on a defenseman. By the way, Florida, how do you lose Adam Fox in the offensive zone?  Plus, it was a shortie.

The one-two punch – May 3

Number one overall, meet number two overall. Alexis Lafrenière toe drags around a sliding Zdeno Chara giving Kaapo Kakko an easy tap in. Unfortunately this go-ahead goal gets forgotten because of the NHL’s clown Tom Wilson shenanigans in the third period.