The Kreider and Zibanejad duo has been synonymous with one another for a few seasons now, and they have proved to be a bright spot early in the season. New York has been a team that has been dominant on the man advantage. On the other hand, they were an organization who were abysmal at even strength, struggling to find goals playing 5-on-5.
In the early goings of the season, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad are proving that they have not missed a beat. The two shared a memorable off-season together and were two players praised by Peter Laviolette in training camp. If they continue their current form, teams will likely struggle against New York’s top line.
The Kreider-Zibanejad Duo Presents Early Dominance For Rangers
A good duo can go a long way, no matter what the circumstance is. In the food world, who doesn’t love peanut butter and jelly? Bert and Ernie were an important part of my childhood on Sesame Street. In the sports world, we are very familiar with the legacy of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. For the New York Rangers, no pair has made more of an impact than Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
You know how this story ends. pic.twitter.com/Hc6kQCbmsI
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 16, 2023
The top line for the Blueshirts has featured both Kreider and Zibanejad for numerous seasons now. Multiple right-wingers have come and gone, but the left-wing and centre have not gone anywhere. The combination of the power forward and the playmaking sniper has worked, especially since the 2019-20 season. Both have provided their fair share of goals. Who can forget Kreider’s 50-goal season in 2021-22? What about Mika Zibanejad’s five-goal game on March 5th, 2020, against the Washington Capitals? With both being under contract for the next four years at least, the Blueshirt core will revolve around the production of these two point producers.
Chris Kreider: From Boxford To Broadway
When the Rangers selected Kreider with the 19th overall pick in 2009, they knew what they were getting themselves into. In early scouting, Kreider’s game focused solely on his speed. He was, and still is, a force along the side boards both with and without the puck.
Chris Kreider opens a season with a three-game goal streak for the third time in his career following 2021-22 (3 GP) and 2016-17 (3 GP). The longest season-opening goal streak in franchise history is shared between Rick Nash (4 GP in 2014-15) and Mika Zibanejad (4 GP in 2017-18).…
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) October 16, 2023
Kreider impressed many during his freshman year at Boston College, earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie team while notching 23 points in 38 games played. Kreider and the Eagles took the NCAA by storm, winning the National Championship in 2010 His success in Chestnut Hill earned him a spot on the United States World Junior team, winning a gold medal later that year. At the time, Kreider became the second American to win the World Juniors and a National Championship in the same year.
The saying “thrown into the Lion’s Den” describes the start of Kreider’s career in the National Hockey League perfectly. While making his debut in the infamous 2012 playoffs, Kreider both served as a healthy scratch and a depth piece before the Rangers were eliminated by the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fast forward to the current age, Kreider has been an integral part of the New York Rangers organization. From winning the Mr. Ranger Award to being one of the best power forwards in the league, it will be a hard day when Chris Kreider leaves Broadway. Thankfully, that day is not arriving any time soon.
Mika Zibanejad: The Greatest Trade In Rangers History?
At one point in time, Mika Zibanejad was the most highly anticipated prospect for the Ottawa Senators. The hype began when he scored one of the most memorable goals in World Juniors history. His overtime winner for Team Sweden in 2012 was the jumpstart for Zibanejad’s career.
On July 18th, 2016, the Rangers acquired Zibanejad and a second-round pick in 2018 from the Senators. The Rangers sent Derick Brassard and a 2018 7th-round pick to Ottawa in return. At the time, many Rangers fans questioned the move, as Brassard spent a great amount of time in the top six. Now, the move is considered highway robbery.
THREE. pic.twitter.com/md7dB8k1Ev
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 17, 2023
Along with Kreider and Artemi Panarin, Zibanejad has been the most reliable offensive weapon for the Blueshirts. He was once considered a playmaker, but now the impressive disk jockey is a sniper. He’s the greatest threat on the powerplay, owning that left circle. He has been able to find the back of the net consistently during his tenure in The Big Apple.
Where The Two Stand Today On Peter Laviolette‘s Roster
The Kreider-Zibanejad duo has seen many right-wingers come and go. The experiment seemed to take off with Pavel Buchnevich until he was sent to the St. Louis Blues. Now, the pair is seen playing with Kaapo Kakko. The two veterans could be the spark that Kakko needs to improve his daily point production.
Fans have loved the Kreider-Zibanejad duo since they started playing next to each other. Their play is highlighted by their trademark hug after every win. The two have grown so close that Kreider asked Zibanejad to be his best man at his wedding this past summer. Consider the Rangers lucky to have such two, impactful forwards in the form of the Kreider-Zibanejad duo.
Main Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
