With a loss to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, the New York Rangers finished their first month of the season. It was a decent start, finishing with a record of 6-2-1, and (as of this writing) they rank second in the Metropolitan Division. However, the two regulation losses stick out, as they were badly outplayed by both the Capitals and the Florida Panthers. There are issues to work on, but there have also been positives. In this piece, we’ll look at the top five performers on the team so far.
#5: Kaapo Kakko
Entering a do-or-die season for his Rangers career, Kaapo Kakko is off to an amazing start. He and his linemates have been great, but this is the best start the team could have asked for after his struggles last season, with a goal and seven points through the first nine games. He is putting up good offensive numbers, and while more goals would be good, he has been very effective in the role that he has been given.
His line, technically the Rangers‘ third line, has been the best line on the team this season. They have yet to be on the ice for an even-strength goal against and have outscored their opponents 9-0. They have been dominating the opposition, and Kakko is a big factor. His board play and puck control are his biggest strengths, which he uses to help set up opportunities for his linemates. If he can keep up this level of play throughout the season, he could earn a longer deal next offseason.
#4: Artemi Panarin
Coming off a career season, there was a lot of pressure on Artemi Panarin heading into 2024-25, and many questioned whether he could replicate his campaign, especially after a somewhat disappointing playoff performance. So far, he has, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down, either. With six goals and 15 points in nine games, he leads the team in points and is tied for first in goals with Chris Kreider. Panarin once again looks like the Rangers’ best offensive player.
He had at least a point in the Rangers’ first eight games, tied for sixth in franchise history – Panarin already holds the record for the longest point streak to open a season in franchise history, set last season with points in the team’s first 15 games. While he didn’t achieve that this season, he is still as dangerous as ever and should be among the top point-getters and goal-scorers when the season is over.
#3: Igor Shesterkin
Everyone wants to know if Igor Shesterkin is going to sign a contract extension…
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