Chris Kreider never has registered a four-game goal streak to open an NHL season, but the top-line winger could tie the Rangers’ franchise record with another goal Thursday night against the Predators.
Kreider, a 52-goal scorer in 2021-22, has potted four in the Blueshirts’ first three games, including two on the power play and one shorthanded.
Linemate Mika Zibanejad scored in each of the Rangers’ first four games in 2017-18, joining Rick Nash (2014-15) as the only players to accomplish the feat in team history.
Kreider and Zibanejad have been skating this season with former first-round pick Kaapo Kakko through the Rangers’ 2-1-0 start.
“To me, it’s been a really good line, a positive line,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said after the 2-1 win Monday over the Coyotes. “I do agree on Kreids, he’s been a noticeable, impactful player for us.”
Kreider’s four goals mark the best three-game start of his 12-year career, but he also scored in each of the Rangers’ first three games in both 2016-17 and 2021-22.
Igor Shesterkin marveled at defenseman Ryan Lindgren’s team-high 23:53 of ice time in the victory on Monday.
“I think he’s ‘Iron Man,’ and Robert Downey Jr. better be ready. [Lindgren is] going to take his job,’’ Shesterkin quipped.
Vincent Trocheck’s power-play goal gave the Rangers at least one goal on the man-advantage in each of their first three games for the first time since 2005-06 and the 13th time in franchise history.
They are at 30 percent efficiency (3-for-10) on the power play, sixth-best in the league entering Tuesday.
Shesterkin improved to 4-for-4 in his career on penalty shots with his right-pad denial of Arizona’s Jason Zucker in Monday’s third period.
Only Henrik Lundqvist (13-for-22), Mike Richter (10-for-11) and Eddie Giacomin (7-for-10) have stopped more penalty shots in the regular season in Rangers history.
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