Chris Kreider shows that the rivalry never stops against the Boston Bruins

When every win counts, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, friends on and off the ice, joined together to get a short-handed goal and win the game for the Rangers tonight. The New York Rangers were tied with two goals in the third period but needed a big play to push ahead. This pair came through for the Rangers tonight and clearly made a difference.

Tensions between these Original Six teams were high entering the third period, with the Rangers down two goals to one. It seemed like a good start for the Rangers when leading scorer Panarin made the first goal and that quickly took a turn when the Bruins scored twice in 16 seconds in the second period. The Rangers were coming off a loss to the Bruins when they lost in Boston just last Saturday, February 1st. Trocheck started the rally to tie it, but the dynamic duo, Kreider and Zibanejad, made the difference tonight. Kreider’s short-handed goal, assisted by Zibanejad, pushed the Rangers into the lead and ultimately gave them a win.

According to ESPN, the Rangers are tied with the Senators for third place in short-handed goals for this season. And out of all of these shorties, Krieder has contributed to three of the goals.

Kreider joined the Rangers in 2009, playing for the Rangers for the entirety of his career. He is the longest-tenured player on the Rangers. Zibanejad joined in 2016, coming from the Senators.

Meaning, they have played together for the last eight years. That is definitely enough time to let these two find their rhythm on the ice. Kreider and Zibanejad not only have skills to get points, but they have an undeniable bromance. At one time, they were voted Best Bromance by the NHL Fan Choice Awards. Not to mention, they also hold two of four positions as alternate captains.

For the Rangers to make up the lost ground to get into the playoffs this season, it is going to take both Zibanejad and Kreider and the rest of the team to get back to their career-expected levels for the rest of the season. Both have been such key instrumental members of the Rangers lineup and arguably a championship-capable team.

But so far this season, the Rangers have underperformed, leading to a disappointing position in the league. Ranger fans can still be optimistic because it is clear that both of these players are not letting the challenges to date get in the way of their relationship on and off the ice. They are clearly professionals and know how to overcome adversity. They have been leaders for the team for quite a while and their continued leadership will be important for the rest of the season.