Fansided

Chris Kreider easily earns MVP against Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite 10 different players logging points in the Rangers regular-season opener, Chris Kreider topped the statsheet with two goals — easily earning the MVP of the night.

By Jennifer Streeter |
New York Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins
New York Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins / Justin Berl/GettyImages

Opening night ended with a Rangers win.

There was plenty of good on the ice during Wednesday's regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, starting with the final score of 6-0. This marked the sixth time in franchise history, and first since 1956, that the Rangers recorded a shutout in the season-opening game. 10 different players tallied points and goaltender Igor Shesterkin picked up the 16th shutout of his career.

This is also the largest margin of victory ever recorded in a Rangers season opener.

While Jacob Trouba logged two assists and topped the GameScore Impact Card, winger Chris Kreider was the only player on the evening's ice to score not one — but two goals, the second of which was shorthanded through the five-hole.

He scored one of two of the Rangers three goals in the first to open the scoring. This marks his second consecutive season-opening game in which he's scored.

This was the alternate captain's 10th short since the start of 2021-22 and was the second to last goal scored of the night.

Kreider is one of the better penalty-killers in the league and one of his weapons is that he score a lot of shorthanded goals. This is because he's good at reading plays and is the kind of player who's able to capitalize.

But thing thing is — after one game in the 2024-25 NHL season, No. 20 is already on pace for 164 goals this season.

And he could do it.

The Massachusetts native signed a seven-year contract with the Rangers on Feb. 24, 2020. He also played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2020 and 2022.

Kreider absolutely helped the Rangers completely dominate tonight over the Penguins, with plenty of fans taking notice of his talent along the way.

Despite Kreider being the MVP of Wednesday night's game, there's still plenty of hockey to be played this season. For the New York Rangers, they turn their attention to their regular season home opener at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The Rangers will host Utah's brand new team, with puck drop being slated for 7:00 p.m. sharp.

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