A much-needed comeback win for the New York Rangers highlights the Jekyll and Hyde of all weekends with a 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. If you are a diehard fan of the video game “FIFA”, now known as “EA FC”, the soundtracks are just as superior as the product. FIFA 17 introduced soccer enthusiasts to the “High and Low” track by the group Empire Of The Sun. No song better describes the Rangers weekend than this one. A sheer sense of panic began to grow after New York dropped consecutive games to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Los Angeles Kings.
After two nights of honouring Jonathan Quick and a combination of lacklustre hockey, the Rangers rediscovered their identity in their victory over Anaheim to round out the weekend. Recent power play struggles and inconsistent goaltending had fans up in arms. But the Rangers weekend ending in victory can put all of the negativity to a temporary rest. New York knows how to make all of their fans feel like Michael Corleone from The Godfather series. Just when you thought that they were out, they pulled you back in.
The Top Line Is (Finally) In Form
For weeks now, the only forward line providing any life was the second line. Artemi Panarin continued to reign supreme. Vincent Trocheck showed the upside of his career year thus far. Alexis Lafrenière proved that he is arguably the hardest-working Blueshirt. Sunday’s victory gave fans a slimmer of hope regarding the top line and the potential the three of them have as a unit.
The last article highlighted Kaapo Kakko and his necessity to Peter Laviolette‘s lineup. His defensive prowess compliments the playmaking sniper that is Mika Zibanejad and the power-forward presence of Chris Kreider. All three are impeccable two-way forwards, showcasing their talent on both offence and defence. Kakko’s return, as essential as it was, has given the top line stability. Playing with two veterans has given the former second-overall pick confidence when shooting the puck. The numbers will continue to rise depending on New York’s run of form.
One player that has provided a boost to his game is Chris Kreider. Despite some foolish penalties taken, the former Boston College Eagle continues to be an offensive threat. Sure, there was a slight lull to the Boxford, M.A. native’s game as of late. Before the game in Los Angeles on Saturday, Kreider went scoreless in his last seven games. It is easy to say that the Rangers are better when the top guys are scoring. The Rangers are an even better team when Kreider is scoring. Scoring 50 goals two seasons ago was an integral part in New York’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Next time Kreider scores, watch his reaction. The scream he provides is not just a sign of jubilation, rather is speaking on behalf of the fanbase. As a lifer, he knows how long these fans have been waiting to climb the mountain once again. If they are going to do it, then Kreider needs to be the key player that he is capable of being.
Hey batter batter. 😎 pic.twitter.com/1D10fOW6YQ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 22, 2024
Adam Fox: Generation Z’s Brian Leetch
Hockey is a sport that continues to evolve every day. From the amount of goals scored to changes in goalie equipment, something new is always on the horizon. In order for a team to be successful in today’s game, you need a quality puck-moving defenceman. As time goes on, the game of hockey emphasizes the concept of turning defence into offence. Not many are capable of doing such task the way Adam Fox can.
Battled for it.
Foxy on #NYR resilience: https://t.co/BSyKcSMGND
Cools: https://t.co/t0ctcML53P
Lavi: https://t.co/8e9JPIXBeN pic.twitter.com/dCX5ONFIpw— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 22, 2024
The one-time Norris Trophy winner was missed back in the month of November. It allowed players such as Erik Gustafsson to step up in such a greater role. Fox’s return saw a resurgence in the group and as time goes on, he continues to be that threat we all know and love. With five assists in his last four games, this road trip is allowing Fox to regain his confidence that took time to come back since returning from injury. His performance on Sunday even earned him The Broadway Hat.
We love them pic.twitter.com/AY9EIMWJOx
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 22, 2024
Points are not the only stat rising for Fox. His TOI (time on ice) continues to skyrocket, averaging well over 20 minutes per game. Having someone like Kreider in form makes the Rangers a better team. Having Fox play to his full potential can make them, arguably, the best.
Will The “California Love” Run Out?
New York will end its road trip at the “Shark Tank” on Tuesday with a matchup against the San Jose Sharks. In their last time out on December 3, fans were treated to an 11-goal thriller. New York edged San Jose 6-5 thanks to an Artemi Panarin hat-trick and an assist to his name. The former Blueshirt Anthony Duclair started the scoring for San Jose. Will “The Duke” find a way to score once again against the team that drafted him?
Puck drop is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. EST from the SAP Center.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
