The New York Rangers experienced a remarkable turnaround in the 2021-22 season, gaining a playoff berth and advancing to the Eastern Conference Final after years of rebuilding. Central to this success was Chris Kreider’s outstanding 52-goal season, a performance that invigorated the team’s postseason aspirations and highlighted his offensive breakthrough. Though Kreider has since moved to the Anaheim Ducks, his 2021-22 campaign remains a defining moment in Rangers history.

Early Career and Progression Before His Breakout Season

Chris Kreider was selected 19th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft and quickly made an impact in his debut during the 2012 Playoffs, tallying five goals and two assists across 18 games to help New York reach the Eastern Conference Final. Despite a slow 2012-13 season with limited ice time, he recovered in 2013-14 with 17 goals and 20 assists, also delivering a strong postseason with five goals and eight assists en route to the Stanley Cup Final. Kreider’s 2015 playoff performance was equally significant, contributing seven goals and two assists in 19 games during another run to the Eastern Conference Final.

Known for his speed, size, and physicality, Kreider fluctuated around the 25 to 28 goal mark due to injuries and scoring slumps during his first nine NHL seasons. The Rangers’ roster evolved around him during this period, with key players like Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, and Rick Nash moving elsewhere by the 2017-18 season. Although Kreider faced setbacks such as a blood clot that cost him 24 games, he managed to tie his career-high with 28 goals in 2018-19. By 2021, New York had not won a playoff game since 2016-17, and while Kreider was consistently solid, he was on the brink of unlocking more potent offensive numbers.

Kreider’s Explosive Performance in the 2021-22 Campaign

The 2021-22 season saw Kreider emerge as one of the NHL’s most dominant scorers, igniting the Rangers’ early success alongside goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Kreider netted 15 goals in the first 19 games, excelling on the power play where his positioning and physical presence allowed him to score deflections and capitalize on rebounds. Beyond his scoring, Kreider became a trusted penalty killer with speed that helped transition the team from defense to offense.

He registered the first three shorthanded goals of his career, demonstrating his versatility and high impact in various situations. One standout game occurred on January 22 against the Arizona Coyotes, when Kreider scored three goals in different scenarios—a shorthanded goal, an even-strength tally, and a power-play marker—along with an assist, spurring a 7-3 victory after the Rangers trailed early in the game.

Kreider concluded the season with 52 goals and 25 assists, setting a personal best in assists and leading the league with 26 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals. His postseason contributions matched his regular-season dominance, as he tallied 10 goals and six assists through 20 playoff games, tying for the team lead in goals.

Playoff Heroics Cement Kreider’s Role in Rangers’ Success

Kreider’s influence was pivotal in New York’s playoff run. During the first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers faced a daunting 3-1 series deficit. Kreider’s timely power-play and game-winning goals in Game 6 kept New York’s hopes alive, followed by an opening goal in Game 7 that helped secure the victory. In the second round versus the Carolina Hurricanes, Kreider once again rose to the occasion, scoring two goals in a dominant 6-2 Game 7 win that propelled the Rangers forward.

Legacy of Kreider’s Historic 2021-22 Season and Beyond

Chris Kreider’s 52-goal effort stands as one of the most prolific single-season performances in Rangers history, tying him with Adam Graves for second place all-time behind Jaromir Jagr’s 54 goals scored during the 2005-06 season. His feat marked a new offensive peak after years of steady contributions.

Following this breakout season, Kreider continued to produce at a high level, scoring 36 goals and 18 assists in the 2022-23 campaign and then delivering 39 goals and 36 assists during the 2023-24 season. Despite multiple injuries limiting his games last year, resulting in 22 goals and eight assists over 68 contests, his impact was undeniable. The Rangers eventually traded Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, closing a significant chapter of his New York tenure.

Even though Kreider now wears a different jersey, his 2021-22 season remains a milestone that helped rejuvenate the Rangers’ playoff hopes, and his consistent high-level play during his time in New York deserves recognition as one of the franchise’s most memorable stories.