Chris Kreider ended up as the sole representative from the Rangers in the All-Star Game. Adam Fox was selected but was unable to play due to injury. Mika Zibanejad was voted in as the Last Man in but bowed out due to personal reasons. Kreider did himself and the Blueshirts proud, suiting up for the winning Metro Division squad.
Friday night, in the skills competition, Kreider finished third in the Fastest Skater. Going first, and the oldest man in the competition at 30, Kreider posted a 13.664. Jordan Kyrou,who was selected to his first All-Star Game, completed the course in 13.550 seconds. LA Kings winger Adrian Kempe finished second (13.585), pushing Kreider to third.
Kreider also participated in the breakaway competition, scoring on a move that even a year ago none of us would have thought he would try. In years past, the puck might have ended up in the third row. This time, the fake shot, beat the goalie through the five-hole worked like a charm.
This is not fair @NYRangers | #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/51XYzLXMg9
— ESPN (@espn) February 5, 2022
In the round-robin tournament, in the 6-4 win over the Pacific Division to earn a spot in the Finals, Kreider assisted on Jack Hughes' empty net goal to clinch the victory. During the 5-3 win over the Central to earn the $1 million check to the winners, Hughes returned the favor to Kreider, setting him beautifully for the CK20 special, goal just outside the blue crease, on a 2-on-1 break. Kreider, Hughes and Adam Pelech from the Isles were a trio representing the Metro New York region. My hope is that he whispered sweet nothings in MVP and Metro captain Claude Giroux's ears convincing him Broadway is the place for him this year.
Kreids being Kreids, but make it All-Star. pic.twitter.com/4QndTI5JM4
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 5, 2022
Which jersey would you get, as thinking of getting a Kreider one, white or blue?
Two-time #NHLAllStar Chris Kreider. pic.twitter.com/6AloUOwrlo
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 5, 2022
Vegas, baby. pic.twitter.com/3zdfEstlGu
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 5, 2022
To me, the best goal of the weekend, even if the blindfold was not fully on. Have to love the creativity and fun of the play, which is what these events are about. Plus, the skill shown by Trevor Zegras is pretty amazing.
The 5 D's of dodgeball: dodge, , dip, dive, and dodge... @tzegras11 did it all in the @adidas #NHLAllStar Breakaway Challenge. pic.twitter.com/uPoGRHhn7A
— NHL (@NHL) February 5, 2022
Really good look at Kreider by Vince Mercoglano. This column augments what Larry Brooks wrote a few weeks ago about Kreider. in year 10 of his career, CK20 is comfortable in his own skin. He knows his strengths and is finally playing towards them, not worrying about being everything. With that knowledge, his game has taken a major step forward, as he has become a 200-foot player while also killing penalties for the first time in his career.
Kreider is a leader in and out of the room. The kids look up to him while the veterans recognize how he is a sage voice. With 33 goals in 47 games, it may be unrealistic to expect Kreider to stay this hot. But 17 goals in the remaining 35 games to hit the magic 50 mark sure seems within reach.
I'm heading on a short trip for a few days, but wanted to share a few things that came out late this week ICYMI.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) February 5, 2022
First, with #NYR's Chris Kreider set to play in tonight's #NHLAllStar game, here's an inside look at how he continues to get better at 30 https://t.co/wMzQzZwXyV