Besides the Buffalo Sabres, it’s clear the NY Rangers probably have it tougher than anyone else. Expectations that were so high just two months ago have plummeted since the Blueshirts started playing like one of the NHL’s worst teams, and there may be no end in sight.
Still, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate small victories and give credit where it’s due. This is why I was keen to recognize which players who haven’t gotten much recognition so far have stepped up and done their due diligence.
Two of those names don’t receive much ice time. But when they get their chances, they’ve made some strides.
Sam Carrick
I’ll let most hockey fans talk about how they’re thrilled with some of the most well-known and entertaining names in the league today. But me? I’d rather watch players like Sam Carrick enter a game, do his job, and make an impact that few will notice.
And when you don’t notice him on the ice for the most part, it means he’s playing well. He’s played in every game so far this season, but it doesn’t mean Carrick has enjoyed much ice time, logging just 10:58 per contest. Still, he’s been great in the faceoff circle, and he makes it hard for opponents to score when he’s on the ice.
Also, a decent supplement on the penalty kill unit, Carrick, brings more to the table than just a solid even strength lower-liner.
Reilly Smith
Newcomer Reilly Smith was someone who you knew would make an impact this season. But with so many stars on the NY Rangers, he wasn’t the first player many would have thought about.
Still, Smith has put up a respectable 15 points and six goals in 30 games. And if the Rangers can find their groove again, it wouldn’t surprise me if he does more than that in the future. A well-rounded player, Smith has also lent a hand on special teams, and his even-strength numbers aren’t bad.
No, they’re not great, but it’s hard to find many Blueshirts who are faring exceptionally well in any category at this point. That said, Smith, for all he’s worth, has played some good hockey despite the circumstances he’s skated into with the Rangers.
Jonny Brodzinski
It’s a shame that the Rangers have lost the previous five games Johnny Brondzinski has played in because the guy has been exceptional when given a chance. He’s seen time in just 15 games as of Wednesday, and so far, has averaged just 10:14 of total ice time, so he’s someone who constantly needs to make the most of his opportunities.
Further, Brodzinski isn’t the kind of player who sees much time on special teams, so even strength is his specialty. So far, he’s played that role well, especially in the defensive zone, where he’s been on the ice for just three goals allowed, equating to a 96.4 on-ice save percentage.
Roughly two-thirds of his starts have come in the defensive zone, yet when Brodzinski’s on the ice, the Rangers have moved it rather well, evidenced by his 47.9 Corsi For percentage. Yeah, not a bad number for someone whose game often resides with a defense-first mentality.