Quick Hits – Rangers vs Predators 2/9/17

Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images


Here is my Quick Hits recap of the Rangers 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators

  • Grabner-Hayes-Miller – While on the depth chart it might be the third line, this trio has been one of the most dangerous lines in the NHL. Michael Grabner has been the steal of the offseason. He netted his 26th goal of the season, which is eight off of his career high of 34; and later in the game forced the turnover leading to the first of JT Miller’s two goals. Speaking of JT Miller, he continued his solid play once again picking up two goals in this one, including the game winner. He now has 44 points (18G, 26A) on the season, and has set a new career high in just 54 games this season. As for the line’s center, Kevin Hayes has shown this season why he was so coveted a few years ago. Hayes had an assist on each of his linemates goals, and has 39 points so far this season. He has already eclipsed his point total from last year, and will have no problem setting a new personal best. This line playing the way they are gives the Rangers one of the top “top 9” forward groups in the NHL.
  • https://twitter.com/NHLDaily365/status/829867848168247318

    https://twitter.com/NHLDaily365/status/829884867857043456

  • Chris Kreider – It has been a career year for this Rangers forward as well. Kreider scored his 22nd goal of the season, and is just eight points shy of setting a new personal best. His goal came from doing something you are taught as a young hockey player: go to the net and good things will happen. After wrapping the puck around the boards, Kreider headed to the net where he deflected a Mats Zuccarello shot past Jusse Saros. Kreider has really started to grow into the player Rangers fans have been waiting to see these last few years.
  • Adam Clendening – Whether you think Adam Clendening deserves to be in the lineup or not, he definitely serves a purpose on this team. After not playing in the last four games, the Rangers defenseman stepped into the lineup for the injured Dan Girardi, who missed this one after getting stitches from a blocked shot on Tuesday night. Clendening stepped in and played a solid game. He made the simple and smart plays in the defensive zone, including breaking up a 2v1, and started the rush that led to the goal by Kreider. As long as he makes the most of the opportunities he gets when he is in the lineup, he will start to gain more and more trust from the coaching staff.
  • Henrik Lundqvist – The Predators scored three goals against the Blueshirts in this one, but Henrik was able to make the timely saves that helped turn the game in the Rangers favor. With the Predators leading 2-0, after goals by Cody McLeod and Calle Jarnkrok (PPG), Lundqvist came up with a couple of big stops to keep the Rangers deficit at 2. Then with the game tied at 2, Henrik slid across to stop Ryan Johansen on his chance from the slot. King Henrik picked up career win number 399 and continues to cement himself as the best goaltender in New York Rangers history.

  • “For me, tonight, the game is real simple. Its 2-0, and he (Lundqvist) has two key saves to make and he makes them.” – AV on the play of Henrik Lundqvist

    NEXT GAME: The Rangers will look to sweep the four game homestand and win their fifth in a row when they take on the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drops at 7!

    LETS GO RANGERS!!

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