Chris Kreider leaps in the air celebrating a goal during last night’s Rangers comeback win over the Islanders.
AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

When Chris Kreider decides to play, no one can stop him. In his second year, the Rangers 2009 first round pick is starting to figure it out. During last night’s 6-5 come from behind win over the Islanders, he was a factor scoring a goal and assisting on Derek Stepan’s goal that cut the deficit to 5-4. His aggressive forecheck forced Islander defenseman Johnny Boychuk into a turnover leading directly to Martin St. Louis’ tying goal.

Only 23, Kreider is still developing. The 6-3, 226 pound left wing has been a key to the Rangers success. When he tallies a point, they’re 18-4-1. In fact, they’ve won 15 of their last 16 when he hits the score sheet. For the emerging power forward, it’s about consistency. In 53 games, he has 14 goals, 17 assists and 31 points. The 14 goals rank third on the team and 31 points are sixth. His 79 penalty minutes rank first and 117 hits are third.

When Kreider uses his combination of size and game breaking speed, opponents are at his mercy. The plays he can make at top speed are breathtaking. For example, the breakaway goal he scored at Arizona in which he took a hard Stepan pass and flew past Michael Stone and deked Mike Smith with a sweet backhand finish with little real estate. In Monday’s win over the Islanders, he beat Jaroslav Halak with a long wrister and used his speed to back up the Islander D before making a perfect drop for Stepan’s goal that turned the game around.

When he is going, the Rangers are a better team. Nobody can deny the impact he is capable of. Kreider has great chemistry with former USA World Junior Championship 2010 gold medal teammate Stepan.  They read off each other well. Whether it’s in transition or on the forecheck, the American duo are two of the club’s top six forwards who are a big part of the present and future. For now, they play with elder statesman St. Louis, who’s unrestricted after the season. Of the trio, Stepan’s been the most consistent with 39 points (10-29-39) in 41 games including three yesterday. St. Louis erased a 15-game goal drought with the game-tying goal.

Of the three, Kreider is physically the most imposing. His return from an injury that helped turn around the second round series against the Penguins. While most observers allude to Kreider injuring Montreal starter Carey Price in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, they neglect to mention his impact on the series. Kreider had eight points (3-5-8) helping the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final. In their five-game series loss to the Kings, he was one of the few players who was effective posting a goal and two assists.

It’s still a work in progress for him. Undoubtedly, Kreider still has off nights. He also has been at fault on a couple of dangerous hits that were penalized including a major and game misconduct against the Wild on Oct. 27. At times, his size and speed can result in such incidents. So far, he’s been lucky not to receive a fine or suspension. He also has had several run ins with goalies leading to many labeling him ‘dirty.’ He must learn to control himself and try avoiding such collisions. Otherwise, he’ll get a bad reputation.

Lately, Kreider is on the right track. With six points in his last 10 and 19 over the last 21 since a New Year’s Eve win at Florida, he’s becoming a more consistent threat. Opponents must take note. As he continues to improve, the better off the Rangers are.