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Why These Rangers Milestones Are Coming at a Perfect Time

Saturday night’s 8-5 victory over the Arizona Coyotes provided a few New York Rangers milestones for three deserving players on Peter Laviolette‘s lineup card. These milestones were achieved by three players who have stepped up in their respective ways this season. Two veterans and one youngster were in full control of their moments on Saturday in Tempe, Arizona. With momentum riding high, these milestones show their effect on the individual and the team as a unit.

One goaltender now holds the distinction of the most wins in history by an American-born NHLer. A lifetime Ranger hit the long-awaited 300-goal mark. Finally, a budding young winger had his first-ever five-point night, including the first hat trick of his young career. New York had three reasons to celebrate on Saturday night, four if you include the win itself. In a game with goals galore, the relief on the Rangers bench was noticeable. Earning this win for a goaltender who grew up a Rangers fan was the primary objective. Here is a closer look at each milestone achieved on Saturday in New York’s visit to the desert.

The First Up in Milestones for the Rangers Jonathan Quick: An American Hero

Everyone associates the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics from a Team USA point of view with T.J. Oshie. His goals are what many hockey fans remember from Team USA’s win over Russia. Contrarily, not everyone remembers who was in net for the Red, White, and Blue. As a matter of fact, it was the Connecticut-born Quick who helped the United States achieve a hard-fought victory.

Nevertheless, Quick would become the winningest American goaltender in the history of the National Hockey League. His 392 wins have propelled him past another USA great in Ryan Miller. His performances alone are turning him into the best free agent pickup from GM Chris Drury this offseason. After leaving Los Angeles and most recently Vegas, Quick seems as if he’s having fun. Backing up Igor Shesterkin has made him accept his current role, without having more personal weight on his shoulders.

From the posts on social media, Quick is enjoying every second of his run in New York. He has won in Los Angeles. He has won in Vegas. Now, it is time for him to do all that he can to bring a Stanley Cup to the team he grew up rooting for. If this goal is accomplished, Jonathan Quick will not only become a Rangers icon, but a Rangers legend.

O’er The Hills We Go, LAF-ing All The Way!

Is it a good time to quote a Christmas classic? Maybe not, yet someone in New York is playing with as much joy as a kid on Christmas. Obviously, it is Alexis Lafrenière who has been playing like a man on a mission. The amount of eyeballs on you as a first-overall pick is unthinkable. Consequently, Laffy has found a space in Laviolette’s system where his creativity can be complemented by two stellar linemates.

Since he signed with New York in 2019, Artemi Panarin has had this gift of making his linemates better overall players. Last year’s transformation belonged to Vincent Trocheck. His playmaking abilities and two-way stability have become noticeable in the last year. This year, The Breadman has had a new target in Lafrenière, who has taken a massive leap this season.

Additionally, the magic seemed to work on Lafrenière, who earned his first-ever hat trick and five-point game against the Coyotes last Saturday. If this line keeps it up, these three can determine New York’s playoff success themselves.

The Amazing Kreider-Man

Rangers fans have a soft spot for lifetime Blueshirts. In fact, they are few and far between. There is a reason why Rod Gilbert (God rest his soul) earned the famous nickname of “Mr. Ranger.” The closest that this generation has to their own Gilbert is a man from Boxford, MA named Christopher James Kreider.

Chris Kreider has been a force since his days playing under Jerry York at Boston College. After his arrival, New York found the strong, quick, goal-scoring forward that they longed for. The hard work in front of the net paid off for Kreider, earning his long-awaited 300th goal. Playing alongside his longtime linemate Mika Zibanejad has made it a smooth transition entering the latter stages of his contract. He was waiting for a jumpstart, now it is time for Kreider to earn back the trust of fans everywhere.

New York is back in action on Monday when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Puck drop is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. EDT from Madison Square Garden – The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Main photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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