It is no secret that the New York Rangers massively failed to reach expectations last season after what was a “feel good” run to the Eastern Conference Finals the season prior. In the series against the Devils, Igor Shesterkin and Chris Kreider were the only ones who truly showed up.
Many questions raised regarding some of their stars, notably Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. None of them played good in last years first round exit.
In this seasons playoffs, however, the trio has responded to the bell in a big way, and as a result, the Rangers are halfway to their goal of winning a Stanley Cup.
Artemi Panarin
2023 playoff stats: 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points (7 games)
2024 playoff stats: 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points (10 games and counting)
Artemi Panarin was probably the most criticized Ranger after last years playoff exit. His only two points were in Game 1 and had none in the six that followed. Many fans called for him to be traded in the offseason and he responded greatly this season with a career high 120 points.
So far in this years playoffs, he is picking up right where he left off. Although at times he has looked underwhelming (in short spurts), he has responded to each lackluster performance. He has four game winning goals, which is already tied for the most by a Ranger in a single playoff run. He continues to shoot the puck at will, as he got the primary assist on Chris Kreider’s deflected power play goal that would ultimately help the Rangers advance.
Mika Zibanejad
2023 playoff stats: 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points (7 games)
2024 playoff stats: 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points (10 games and counting)
Like Panarin, Zibanejad was another big name who didn’t show up in last years playoffs. He only had one goal, and in the 7 games, he only had 16 shots on goal, resulting in a 6.3 shooting percentage. That is very unlike Zibanejad, who is known to have a lethal shot.
Mika and the player that will be named shortly have been the Rangers most consistent and best forwards in these playoffs. In order to win in this league, you need your centers to be your best players, and Zibanejad has been just that. He is also winning about half of his faceoffs and even has 7 even strength points. He continues to be a force on both the power play and penalty kill.
Vincent Trocheck
2023 playoff stats: 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point (7 games)
2024 playoff stats: 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points (10 games and counting)
Trocheck was disappointing in last years playoffs, as he only registered a measly one point in seven games. He won less than half of his faceoffs, which was very uncharacteristic of him.
However, and like Zibanejad, he has been the Rangers most consistent and best all around player in these playoffs. He had a five game goal streak, which was tied for the longest amount of games with a goal in playoff franchise history. On top of that, he is also winning over 58 percent of his faceoffs. He is crucial since he plays on both special teams units.
The Rangers stars who underperformed last year have all stepped up in this years postseason in a big way. In order to win a championship, you need your best players to perform at this time of year.
These Rangers stars have done just that.
BS Reports 
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