Defenseman K’Andre Miller is hitting his stride as the New York Rangers, who lead the Eastern Conference with 49 points, visit the Florida Panthers on Friday night in Sunrise, Fla.
Miller, New York’s first-round pick in 2018, is coming off his highest-scoring game of the season: two goals and three points in a 5-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.
“I came out of the (Christmas) break with some goals — just to play better hockey,” Miller said.
Mission accomplished for Miller.
Then again, the entire team is playing well, including goalie Igor Shesterkin, who has won four straight games. Shesterkin (14-7-0, 2.77 goals-against average) had a five-game win streak earlier this season. Backup goalie Jonathan Quick (9-1-1, 2.27 GAA) has been even better.
Offensively, Artemi Panarin entered Thursday tied for fourth in the NHL with 46 points and tied for sixth with 19 goals. He also ranks third in the NHL with 15 multi-point games.
Chris Kreider is tied for 11th leaguewide with 17 goals. Kreider’s eight power-play goals are one off the NHL lead.
In fact, the Rangers have scored a power-play goal in eight straight games, their longest streak since 2009. They rank second in the NHL with 33 power-play goals.
Three other Rangers stars of note are Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad and former Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck.
Fox, back from a 10-game injury absence, has 23 points in 23 contests.
Zibanejad was the NHL’s second star of the week with seven points in three games. He has at least one point in 16 of his past 17 games, including eight straight entering Friday.
Trocheck has 29 points and has been a faceoff ace (63.3 percent).
The team gave a complete effort against Washington to earn its fifth win in the past six games.
“It’s cliche, but we have to play to our identity every night no matter who we’re playing. We have to set the standard for ourselves,” Miller said, per the New York Post.
The Panthers, who have yet to face the Rangers this season, are coming off a 3-2 win at rival Tampa Bay on Wednesday.
Florida is led by goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and forward Sam Reinhart. Bobrovsky (16-9-1, 2.48 GAA) leads the Eastern Conference in wins. His capable backup is Anthony Stolarz (4-3-1, 2.18 GAA).
Reinhart leads the Panthers in goals (21) and points (42). He also ranks fourth in the NHL in goals, and his nine power-play scores are tied for first in the league.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Reinhart does more than just score.
“He’s just really smart,” Maurice said. “His goals are incredible, but the way he knocks down pucks to keep them in the offensive zone — that stuff is gold.”
Florida has killed 13 straight penalties over the past five games, making for a great matchup against New York’s terrific power play.
Reinhart, who will be an unrestricted free agent following this season, said his team is not forcing anything.
“It’s an easy game we’re playing,” said Reinhart, who has four goals over his past four games. “Everyone on our team is predictable and easy to read — pace and simplicity.”
–Field Level Media
