Chris Kreider is congratulated by Rick Nash after his power play goal put the Rangers up 4-0 on the Flyers.
Getty Images/Seth Wenig

It looks like we won’t be seeing Chris Kreider anytime soon. The 22-year old rookie will have surgery on his left hand today. He was injured during last week’s win over Columbus. Despite that, he participated in the next two games at New Jersey and home against Phoenix. His ice-time dwindled with Alain Vigneault noting that he suffered an injury.

As it turns out, Kreider needs surgery which will keep him out indefinitely. Considering that there are eight games left entering tonight’s road match at Calgary, his status for the playoffs is uncertain. At this point, you’d have to figure he’ll miss at least the first round if the Rangers get there. They have won a season best five straight and currently lead the Flyers by three for second in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers have 86 points while the Flyers have 83 but hold two games at hand. They will take on the Leafs earlier tonight.

Kreider was having a good season. After failing to make the team out of camp, he has 17 goals with 20 assists and 37 points. His 17 goals rank fifth among rookies and 37 points are tied for fourth with Bruins defenseman Torey Krug. As for where he ranks on the Rangers, the former Boston College standout is in a four-way tie for third in goals and seventh in points. His six power play goals were tied for the team lead with Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot. His plus-14 rating leads the Blueshirts.

The Rangers will definitely miss his combination of size, speed and strength. While he was still learning in his first full year, Kreider became a good player who Alain Vigneault trusted in front of the net on the power play. He’s the team’s fastest skater. Without him, Martin St. Louis will need to step up. It’s about time he found twine. Perhaps it comes against the team who gave up on him that he burned in the Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, J.T. Miller remains in the lineup. His size, physicality and hockey sense make him a solid fit for the roster. We’ll see if he can have an impact.