Former New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider will be making his return to Madison Square Garden on Monday night. He’ll be wearing an unfamiliar uniform, especially after 13 seasons with the Blueshirts.
But his trade this past summer ushered in a new era for the 34-year-old. Kreider had been a solid forward for the Rangers. But it was his 52-goal season that really put him on the radar. While he hasn’t replicated that career-high goal total, he’s maintained his scoring touch since then.
Now, Kreider will be returning to his familiar stomping grounds. The Rangers faithful will remember him for his talent and unique personality. It was that personality that endeared him to the crowd.
Despite the sour season last year that led to his placement on the block, Kreider isn’t bitter or resentful. He’s just focused on the game.
Kreider told Andrew Knoll of RG Media about his expectations in returning to New York. The former Rangers star said:
“I don’t know how it’s gonna feel. I’ll let you know, I guess. I’m looking forward to seeing my parents, they’ll be in town. I look forward to seeing some former teammates, Mika [Zibanejad] in particular, I played for such a long time with him. I look forward to seeing a lot of the staff, too, some of the medical staff, and equipment managers. Even some of the management. Everyone, if you’re there long enough, you develop relationships.”
The comments speak volumes about the ex-Rangers player’s commitment to people. But when it comes to the game, he’ll be all business:
“We have to remember that it’s an important game for us and an important two points. So, once the dog-and-pony show is done, hopefully we can get down to playing a little hockey.”
Kreider Credits Former Rangers Goalie for Record Goal-Scoring Season
Kreider isn’t one to take credit solely for his success. He has also acknowledged those who’ve helped him along the way. As such, Kreider credits an old Rangers friend who helped him find his vaunted scoring touch:
“I went to [former Rangers goalie] Stephen Valiquette, and we did kind of a deep dive into how goalies approach the game. I got to understand the goalie perspective on what the hardest chances were for them to stop. It was a matter of playing the percentages, trying to get myself more exhibitions and getting the puck off in under half a second when it crosses those midlines, it was kind of a “Money Ball” approach.”
That approach allowed Kreider to set a team record of 52 goals during the 2021-22 season.
Ducks and Kreider Looking to Continue Building on Solid Season
Chris Kreider and the Anaheim Ducks have been this season’s most pleasant surprise. The club is second in the Pacific Division entering Sunday’s action. They sit two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the division lead.
Kreider has played a crucial role in helping the upstart Ducks improve this year. His 13 goals in 28 games put him on pace for 38. That would be his highest goal total since notching 39 for the Rangers two seasons ago.
Anaheim will be counting on Kreider to play well for the remainder of the season, as the Ducks look to get back to the playoffs this year.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rangers Ex-50 Goal Scorer Is All Business in Return to MSG appeared first on Heavy Sports.