Chris Kreider
There were many players that just did not play well for the Blueshirts in the Stanley Cup playoffs but that can not be said for Chris Kreider. For the bulk of the postseason, the Boxford, Massachusetts native was the entirety of the Ranger offense and he did everything he could to keep the Blueshirts going. You cannot be unhappy with everything Kreider did in the playoffs.
Kreider had 6 goals in seven games and had three helpers to accompany his production. For all the issues that plagued this team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kreider seemed to breathe life into the roster whenever the team needed him. Whether it was with goals, assists, just creating chances, or even something as simple as forechecking, Kreider seemed to embody the team. As he went, the team went.
Not to mention that this was the postseason where Kreider became the all-time New York Rangers’ goal scorer in the postseason. To take that title for any team is a sign of a truly talented player but to do it for a team like the New York Rangers that has seen so many great players come through the doors of Madison Square Garden is a great testament to what a good Rangers Kreider has been.
Unfortunately, this proved not to be enough for the Blueshirts to get past the New Jersey Devils but he was a large reason that this series went to game seven. Kreider had a shakey start to this regular season but was undoubtedly one of the best Rangers players in the postseason and he needs to get the recognition that deserves when half of the team just did not show up and let the fans down again.