Chris Kreider Shines in Rangers Season Opener

In the New York Rangers' season opener, Chris Kreider scored twice in a commanding 6-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, including a shorthanded goal that enhances his reputation as a key penalty killer. Kreider's two goals bring him closer to achieving a significant milestone in Rangers history; he is now just 30 goals away from tying Jean Ratelle for 336 goals and 100 from the franchise leader, Rod Gilbert. His scoring prowess, attributed to his size and agility, has positioned him among the top scorers in the NHL, and he currently leads the league in shorthanded goals since 2021-22. Head coach Peter Laviolette praised Kreider's intelligence and explosiveness on the ice, which contribute to his effectiveness in both scoring and penalty-killing roles. Kreider's impressive start to the season has fans hopeful for a potential career-best as he aims for a third 40-goal season. Overall, Kreider's performance underscores his dual threat on offense and defense for the Rangers.