4 Best Rangers Moments of 2024
Chris Kreider's third-period hat trick clinches Eastern Conference final spot
The thrill of watching the Rangers' longest-tenured player single-handedly secure a spot on the team among the final four teams competing for the Stanley Cup was palpable.
Just when the series was starting to tilt in the Hurricanes' favor, Kreider closed the door and led his team to the next round.
Come-from-behind victory over the Islanders in the Stadium Series
The Rangers trailed 4-1 at one point, but the Blueshirts went on a 6-on-4 run in the final five minutes of the game, and Artemi Panarin scored the game-winning goal 10 seconds into overtime.
The fact that it had been so long since the Rangers and Islanders last played each other made the win even more sweet.
Jonathan Quick becomes the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history
The way the Rangers gathered around the 38-year-old backup netminder for a group hug after earning his 392nd win at Mallett Arena, making him the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history, showed how close the team is. It had been proven. It was a meaningful moment in which the team's unity was at its peak.
Lempemania
Matt Lempe took the NHL by storm last season, becoming a fan favorite from the moment he hung up his gloves against Matt Martin in front of a crowd of 79,690 at MetLife.
The 6-foot-8.5-inch forward is still making his way through league play, currently serving the second suspension of his short NHL career, but Lempe has made a name for himself with an incredible season with the Rangers. left behind.
Four Ranger Questions for 2025
Will Chris Kreider remain the Rangers' longest-tenured player?
After Chris Drury touted Kreider as available in a league-wide trade memo, it's clear the Rangers' president and general manager is open to moving on from the 33-year-old. It will be interesting to see how Kreider's 13-year tenure in New York pans out, whether at some point this season or in the offseason.
Will head coach Peter Laviolette be in his third season with the Rangers?
Coaching isn't the biggest issue for the Rangers this season, but it will be a headache if the team continues on its current trajectory.
There comes a point when the team dynamic becomes unsustainable and you have no choice but to start fresh on multiple fronts.
How much will the roster change next season with the extra pending free agents?
The Rangers have a number of players who will need new contracts next season, including regulars like Quandre Miller, Ryan Lindgren, Will Quill, Adam Edstrom and Jimmy Vesey.
That opens up an opportunity for big changes, and considering how this season has gone so far, it may be inevitable.
Can the Rangers get back on track, or is another rebuild on the horizon?
A lot can happen between now and the end of this season, but depending on what the championship window ultimately looks like, Rangers will have to decide how to proceed. .
Do they stay in win-now mode and act accordingly, or do they stockpile draft picks and look at ways to rebuild the roster?
