Revisiting The Great History Of How Chris Kreider Forever Changed The New York Rangers Organization
Photo credit: P Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Let's revisit the past in the wake of Chris Kreider's trade to the Anaheim Ducks. In 2021-22, he posted 52 goals in a season, which put his name on a calling card as a net-front presence and a sniper. Thanks to Kreider's help, the team made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The New York Rangers during the 2021-22 season would sow the ground for a fruitful playoff run, in which they would end up facing the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In doing so, they had to rely on players like Chris Kreider, who would provide exceptional offense that season, scoring 52 goals.
Before the 2021-22 season, he was known for his clutch performances and was a reliable playoff performer. But his career high for goals prior to this season was meager in comparison: 28.
During the team's playoff run in 2012, he found himself a key contributor, scoring 7 points in 18 games.
Kreider would have to struggle as not enough play time was allocated to him in 2012-13, but would bounce back the following season, scoring 17 goals. In 2013-14's post-season run, he'd again tally a significant number of points to add to the cause with 13 points in 15 games and would find himself competing in the Stanley Cup finals.
He also played well during the 2015 Postseason, finishing with seven goals and two assists in 19 games as New York made another run to the Eastern Conference Final.
It's arguable that Kreider could've accomplished these kinds of stats earlier in his career, but injuries prevented him from peaking early on.
Kreider's 2021-22 NHL Season
Kreider would begin the year hot, scoring 15 goals in 19 games, as the Rangers showed dominance. Kreider would be a threat at the front of the net, as the tip-in maestro for the team, and he'd find himself playing on the PK with Mika Zibanejad.
Kreider would show up when it counted the most, one night scored 4 points (3-1), three goals, against the Arizona Coyotes on January 22nd. He'd score a shorthanded goal, a power-play goal, and an even-strength goal, topped off with an assist.
He was playing like an elite NHL forward that season.
Kreider would continue his tear that year, finishing with 77 points (52-25), with 26 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals.
His contributions to the team in the 2021-22 season should never be discounted.
He'd find the year tied with forward Adam Graves with most goals scored in a season for the Rangers at 2nd, just behind Jaromir Jagr, who had 54 in 2005-06.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
TRENDING NOW
