In a schedule that pulls no punches, the New York Rangers find themselves with a much-needed break. With five straight days off before their next game, it’s a great time for them to get it together after a rough stretch of three straight losses. While their efforts on the ice have not been anything to brag about, the team that began this season 6-2-0 is still in there somewhere, and these days off may be just what they need before hitting the panic button. Despite the uninspiring play lately, there’s plenty to be confident about among a few of these Blueshirts. As their time off continues, let’s take a look at a few Rangers doing everything fans could’ve hoped for on the ice.
Adam Fox
Does this even come as a surprise? As one of New York’s most important players, Adam Fox continues to showcase his usual form, leading the Rangers in points. Ranked second overall this season in assists behind Connor McDavid, the 28-year-old arguably stands as one of the last pieces keeping this Rangers team from a potential playoff spot, with Igor Shesterkin now out for the season. Though the defensive game has certainly crumbled compared to the start of this season, fans should remember there’s at least one defenseman on the ice who will continue to produce consistently, with a few incredible plays. With 17 points in 14 games, Fox remains one of the few things on defense fans need not worry about, especially as Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi begin to draw some concern.
Tye Kartye
Picked up off waivers from the Seattle Kraken on February 27th last season, Tye Kartye has been a no-doubt delightful surprise to watch on the ice. Though he’s never been known as quite a high-scoring threat, the young forward made quite an impression last year with 14 points in 24 games. Beginning this season on the fourth line, the 25-year-old was quickly promoted to the second line after showing the kind of five-on-five player he is. Despite the loss against the Kings, Kartye continued to skate all over the ice, even setting up J.T. Miller's goal and scoring one of his own late in the third period. The team may be disconnected, but a few can take note of the urgency the former Kraken brings. With four goals on the season so far, he’s proven himself as a player with true heart and remains an absolute steal for the New York Rangers.
Alexis Lafrenière
As the 25-26 regular season concluded, fans couldn’t help but be impressed with Alexis Lafrenière. After his linemate Artemi Panarin departed, the Rangers needed to muster their own offense more than ever. Fortunately, that’s exactly what the former first overall pick did. Finishing last season with 24 points in 23 games, fans were optimistic that he could pick up right where he left off this year, and that’s exactly what the 25-year-old has done. Despite their rough stretch, Lafrenière has recorded 16 points in 14 games, leading these Blueshirts with nine goals this season. While the road to this point has been shaky, a true breakout year for the Canadian forward is everything fans can hope for from a player locked up long term and a key piece of this franchise's future. Fans have been patient; fans may have lost their patience, but one thing's for certain: the 2020 first overall pick has emerged as one of the Rangers' best players, just 14 games in.
