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New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider Is Public Enemy No. 1 In Montreal

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The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens are set to resume the hostilities that began last May in the Eastern Conference Finals. Chatter on Montreal radio has begun to circulate around Chris Kreider, public enemy No. 1. He is responsible for removing Montreal goalie Carey Price from the series, resulting in the Habs’ painful playoff exit at the expense of the Blueshirts.

Despite the winger’s constant contact with netminders, the league should not reprimand Kreider.

Kreider was attempting to follow the coach’s directions on the ice. He is not a dirty player by any means. He does not intend to injure opponents while on the ice. He simply tries to play the game as hard as it can be played. When Alain Vigneault or Scott Arniel emphasize the importance of crashing the net, he does so at 110 mph.

Despite walking the line, Kreider has never crossed it. The Rangers’ coaching staff wants Kreider to continue to play with an edge and utilize his assets. The Blueshirts came within inches of winning the Stanley Cup last year. He understands his role and knows what he has to do help his team get back to the mountain top.

The young player’s size and speed are his greatest strength, but also his greatest enigma. Analysts often refer to No. 20’s ability to kick it into another gear that not many other players possess. Throughout the early part of his career, Kreider has not been able to gauge, tame and conquer that gear. While it is not intentional, it still leaves vulnerable goaltenders at risk.

Allen Walsh, agent of New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak, took to the radio following his client’s collision with Kreider and said that a goalie will get seriously hurt if no action is taken. The NHL has seen reason to take action against Kreider. Walsh went onto say that the league should have a crease-crasher list rather than a diving list.

However, when Kreider and Price square off on Thursday, no such rule will exist. For now, public enemy No. 1 is free to roam the ice.

Adam Feld is a Rangers writer for www.RantSports.com.  Follow him on Twitter @trublunyblog.  Like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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