“The Silver Shield” is a column by Kasey Kazliner about the National Hockey League.
The unstoppable New York Rangers
The New York Rangers had their season cut short in heartbreaking fashion last year, losing in game seven of the first round to their cross-river rivals, the New Jersey Devils. However, this year, the Rangers look like the team to beat. In a competitive Metropolitan Division, New York is 9-0-1 in its last 10 games, with loaded talent all across the board.
Winger Artemi Panarin is tied for the second-most points in the NHL with 24. Panarin has been undeniably elite through 13 games thus far. The winger has put up at least one point in every single game, and has been the biggest reason for the Rangers’ success. Panarin’s passing ability has been second to none so far. His connection with linemates Alexis Lafreniére and Vincent Trocheck has allowed him to make unbelievable plays.
Lafreniére, the number one pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, has lived up to his massive expectations in the new season. The young wing has broken out, after being under a critical microscope for quite some time. On Sunday, Lafreniére had two goals in New York’s shootout win over the Blue Jackets, including the third period equalizer with 11 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime. Lafreniére has found his groove despite the pressure, and will be a player to watch as the season progresses.
Chris Kreider leads the team in goals with 10, and has been nothing but consistent this season. The longtime Ranger had three points on opening night against Buffalo, and has continued to feed off of the team’s offensive chances and create some himself.
On the other end of the ice, the Rangers have the sixth highest save percentage in the league at .922. The main concern for them is keeping goaltender Igor Shesterkin healthy. The netminder has been vital to the team’s success but has missed time with injuries and soreness. Backup and longtime Los Angeles Kings great Jonathan Quick, however, has been solid as a second option, with a 4-0-1 record between the pipes this season.
The Rangers are playing great right now, but must keep gas in the tank as the season continues. 107 points in the standings were not enough for them to advance in the playoffs, showing the rigor of the Metropolitan Division. If the Blueshirts can win head-to-head matchups against divisional opponents on a consistent basis, they’ll have a much better chance in the postseason.
The Rangers will take on the Devils Saturday in Newark, NJ.
Panthers on five-game win streak, Sam Reinhart on a tear
Florida Panthers’ center Sam Reinhart has been incredible this season. In Florida’s last five games, all wins, Reinhard has a combined 12 points, including four goals. On a team with unclear expectations heading into the season, Reinhart has put on a show.
The Panthers may have made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season, but it was a miracle that they were there in the first place, as the No. 8 seed. Plus, injuries and offseason departures took a toll on Florida’s roster, adding to the uncertainty. But, currently, the Panthers only trail the Bruins in the Atlantic Division, the team Florida severely upset in last season’s playoffs.
Reinhart is tied for the second most goals in the NHL with 12 and the center has 23 total points. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has the best season of his career this season, as his career-high in total goals was 33 two seasons ago. Reinhart is tearing up all competition at the perfect time, as the Panthers are high on momentum after their Stanley Cup berth. Florida could give the Bruins a run for their money for the division title if the Panthers keep it going.
The Panthers are hot and will try to get their sixth straight win when they play the Kings tonight at Crypto.com Arena.
Tampa Bay Lightning: once great, now a disappointment
Remember when Tampa went to three straight cups and won two? Not too long ago right? Well, those days feel long over. The Lightning got shutout in their two most recent games against the Blues and Hurricanes, and are currently 6-6-4. The Bolts have lost three straight and look tired and distraught. Their four overtime losses are tied for the most in the league, and indicate their struggle to finish games.
In Tampa Bay’s defense, former Vezina winner Andrei Vasilevskiy has dealt with injury and is yet to make an appearance thus far. Vasilevskiy could certainly turn the team around, but won’t be of any help on the offensive struggles. He has been practicing with the team, and the Lightning expect him to return before December, but an exact timetable is unclear.
Personally, I don’t feel like Tampa needs to press the panic button quite yet. The Lightning have overcome adversity before, and they still have some of the most talented players in the NHL, such as Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman. However, if Tampa Bay can’t turn things around come the trade deadline, I speculate that some veteran players could be moved in order to give some younger prospects a chance.
The Lightning will face the Blackhawks in Chicago this evening.
“The Silver Shield” runs every Thursday.