NHL Power Rankings Heading into Week 4 of 2016-17

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NHL Power Rankings: New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (26) in action against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 7 (+4)

Team Record: (7-3-0)

Player of the Week: D Ryan McDonagh (3gp 0g 4a 4pts)

Special Teams

PP: 9-for-38 (23.7 percent) (T-9th)
PK: 5-for-27 (81.5 percent) (T-16th)

Goaltending

King Henrik was between the pipes for two of three contests over the last seven days. He allowed three goals on 21 shots in a Loss to Carolina last Friday. Two nights later vs. Tampa Bay, the Rangers decided to go with Antti Raanta. It was just his second start, but he bounced back nicely after allowing four goals vs. SJ back on Oct.17. He stopped 31 of 32 shots against a potent Lightning squad. Turning back to their start against St. Louis on Tuesday, Lundqvist delivered a perfect performance stopping all 35 shots for the shutout.

Defense

Ryan McDonagh is making an early case for his name in the Norris Trophy conversation. Whether he remains consistent over the course of 82 games, we’ll have to wait and see. McDonagh is currently on an eight-game point streak (nine points over that span) in which he’s also a +8 plus/minus rating. A lot of credit is admittedly due to the Rangers offense, but there’s something to be said for the early performance of the American defenseman.

Forwards

It was nice to see Chris Kreider back in the lineup on Tuesday night after missing the previous four games. He came back with an immediate impact posting a pair of helpers for a season total of nine points in six games.

Several players had a solid past week for New York. Rick Nash had three points bringing his season total up to eight points in 10 games. This is a great sign that he might have that bounce back year after a dreadful 2015-16. You have to wonder if his performance affects expansion decisions at all because Nash was presumed to be a nice target to leave available.

Rookie Jimmy Vesey continues his tear after a three-point night vs. St. Louis. With four points in the last seven days, the former Hobey Baker winner now has nine points in 10 games. Let’s not forget J.T. Miler who also had a three-point night, but his came against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Miller now has 10 points in 10 games as the Rangers continue to produce goals at a high rate.

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