Why the Rangers’ Chris Kreider Will Win the Calder Trophy (THW)
Why the Rangers’ Chris Kreider Will Win the Calder Trophy
by THW's Michael Rappaport
Excerpt:
Quote:
"The last 12 months of hockey for Chris Kreider were a whirlwind. At this time one year ago, Kreider was sitting in a classroom, and preparing for his junior season at Boston College. The 2011-12 season was a memorable one for the 21-year-old. Kreider recorded 45 points in 44 games for BC, while helping them win a NCAA title. And that wasn’t enough for the Rangers’ first round draft pick in 2009, as he signed with the Rangers just before their playoff run.
Although there were some who weren’t sure how big of an impact Kreider would have on the Rangers in the postseason (myself included), he silenced those critics by scoring five goals in 18 games.
After Kreider’s outstanding performance in the playoffs, both the Rangers’ organization and fans alike can’t wait to see what he will do going forward."
He was remarkable in the conference finals. Just an absolute tank, he was eating hits and dishing them out, and not to mention scoring. He got better as the playoffs went on. I'm so pumped to watch him play this season.
I dunno why I didn't post on the kreider = winner at everything thread but I have Kreider on a tall pedestal of everythingness. Expecting great, nay, magnificent things from him.
Flyers fan stopping by to say Kreider will be a force. I see so much of Patrick Marleau in him with his speed, shot, and size. I could easily see him being a more high profile Marleau because of the opportunity he will get in NYR.
I think Kreider is the safest pick for the Calder considering his age and experience. The only thing in his way will be the depth in front of him, although I personally dont think that will be an issue especially with Gaborik out to start-- he should have every opportunity to prove himself at the start of the season. Yakupov should get more ice time, and thus more points, but I think Kreider's dominant presence on the ice will not be lost on Calder voters.
Being totally honest, I am jealous of how well built your team is. First class forward depth, defensive depth, and the best goaltender in the league. On paper, you guys have it all. Lots to look forward for you guys.
Flyers fan stopping by to say Kreider will be a force. I see so much of Patrick Marleau in him with his speed, shot, and size. I could easily see him being a more high profile Marleau because of the opportunity he will get in NYR.
I think Kreider is the safest pick for the Calder considering his age and experience. The only thing in his way will be the depth in front of him, although I personally dont think that will be an issue especially with Gaborik out to start-- he should have every opportunity to prove himself at the start of the season. Yakupov should get more ice time, and thus more points, but I think Kreider's dominant presence on the ice will not be lost on Calder voters.
Being totally honest, I am jealous of how well built your team is. First class forward depth, defensive depth, and the best goaltender in the league. On paper, you guys have it all. Lots to look forward for you guys.
Even with Gaborik healthy I think Kreider gets 2nd line minutes. The LW's he'll be battling with for time are Nash and Hagelin. Depends on line combos obviously but if you had to rank them it would be 1. Nash 2. Kreider 3. Hagelin. Kreider will get his fair share of minutes regardless though.
when you got Ryan Callahan on your 3rd line, youre doing something right.
With Tortorella's penchant for line juggling? Those might be the opening night lineups, but by Christmas Nash has probably played on five different line combinations.
xx FA/Pyatt - Miller (assuming he is ready)/Boyle - Callahan
Rupp - Boyle/Halpern - Pyatt/Asham
That is filthy in itself
Callahan on the 3rd line is maybe a stretch, but assume he gets big roles on PP and pk and he thereby will see substantial icetime nontheless. This might be a great move overall for the team giving the captain the key and leading role on special teams where games are often decided (think D Brown in the playoffs).
Even if the new CBA does not allow us to sign another FA fwd and if JT Miller is not ready for NHL play - I think we can compete. Now. Big time. We got a great combo of size, skill, speed and experience.
Drop the puck!
Chris Kreider got a chance at winning the Calder, but I do think that it is pretty small.
You needs to score up towards 60 pts to get it. Only Gabby and Richards has scored more than 60 pts for us in recent years, and Straka, Nyls and JJ before that (and Gomez).
And, you can't even come close to score that much unless you play on a functional PP. Will Kreider even play top PP unit for us (not to mention be on a functional PP)?
?-Richards-Nash
Stepan-MDZ
Won't Callahan play in that role? Will Kreider really be able to bump Cally?
I definitely feel that 20+20 is awesome for Kreider considering everything. Like it will take a little short of 30+30 for him to win the Calder, and I just don't think the odds for that is all that high.
I wouldn't rule it out, but inorder for that to happen Kreider basically must play, and really hit it of, with Brad Richards. And its perfectly possible that Hagelin will play with BR...
Torts' leash is going to play a big role in Kreider's ability to win the Calder. If he stumbles early on in the year, he could see some seriously reduced minutes. I don't anticipate it happening, but you never know.
Torts' leash is going to play a big role in Kreider's ability to win the Calder. If he stumbles early on in the year, he could see some seriously reduced minutes. I don't anticipate it happening, but you never know.
I definitely see what you're saying here but to me it seems like Tort's leash is always a lot longer for the young kids than it is for the veterans (as it should be).
So while Kreider is going to see varying levels of playing time (because he will obviously struggle at times) I don't think Torts will be hesitant to put him out there.
If he continues to mess up time after time then u can see it playing a major role but I think Torts will give him some leeway.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Torts take the same approach with Kreider that he took with Hagelin. Give him minutes with the big guns on the top lines but keep his overall ice time down, maybe between 12-14 minutes a night to start. 2nd PP unit and time on the 2nd PK unit to get him accustomed to that responsibility and blocking shots. Hagelin made the most out of his opportunity.
Really he should have less pressure with Nash around. He can be the 2nd line LW and play with Stepan and Gaborik. Thats my plan to start anyway with Nash, Richards, Cally as a line
right now Chris Kreider is like the 4th goal scoring option behind Nash, Callahan, Gaborik, and Richards...you could argue Stepan there too. hes got no pressure at all on him to carry anything....just play.
right now Chris Kreider is like the 4th goal scoring option behind Nash, Callahan, Gaborik, and Richards...you could argue Stepan there too. hes got no pressure at all on him to carry anything....just play.
Torts said at the end of the playoffs last year to not expect Kreider to get top minutes all year. He will certainly give Kreider his chance but if Torts cannot trust him defensively expect him to be on the 3rd line, especially when Gabby is healthy.
