#26's #s: 49 games, eight goals, 18 assists, +14, 24 PIM.
Take the good: There were low expectations for Christensen when he was selected off the wire from Anaheim and he surprised everyone by immediately showing an on-ice rapport with Marian Gaborik. In one of Tortorella's many blunders this season, he refused to believe/accept that Christy complemented Gabby well and waited weeks before putting the two together on a (semi-) permanent basis. Christy repeatedly said during the stretch run that he was playing for a NHL job next season and the results proved it; he had eight points over his final 10 games including one of the best goals by a Blueshirt the entire year. In a rarity among the Rangers, he spoke frankly and honestly and was given the John Halligan Good Guy Award for it. Take the bad: Christensen was the first Ranger shooter in the final shootout and had a less-than-stellar effort with a weak move and a weaker wrister from in close. Christy certainly worked well with Gabby but oftentimes he was too deferential to the Slovak sniper, passing when he should have shot. He had just three more shots (77) than Olli Jokinen did (74) in 23 more games - sure he is a different kind of player but that is just ridiculous considering the open ice he received when he was out there with Gabby. Just four of Christensen's 26 points came on the power play; his one goal with the man advantage came all the way back on New Year's Eve. He had two goals over his final 15 games, and they both came in the same game against the Leafs ... if that even counts, as they are the Leafs.
Take them both and then we have: Someone who deserves a NHL job next season, and perhaps even one with the Rangers. Christensen worked hard and stepped up his game come crunch time. He proved he was capable of holding down a top-six slot and, unless Sather can swing another deal to get rid of Redden, the GM won't be able to afford a top-line pivot to play with Gabby; Christy will come cheap. At the least, he can fill the position while Derek Stepan enjoys another season at Wisconsin.
"The NYR Facts Of Life: #26 Erik Christensen - The Playmaker's Journey"
In the fast-paced world of professional ice hockey, playmakers often steal the spotlight with their creativity and vision on the ice. Erik Christensen, the man who sported the #26 for the New York Rangers, was one such player known for his playmaking abilities and remarkable journey through the NHL. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Erik Christensen, a forward whose path from Edmonton, Alberta, to the iconic Madison Square Garden was marked by resilience, adaptability, and a passion for setting up goals. We will also address frequently asked questions about his career and his time with the Rangers.
Chapter 1: Early Years and Junior Hockey
Erik Christensen was born on December 17, 1983, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Like many aspiring NHL players, his journey began in junior hockey. This section will explore his early years in hockey, his junior career, and the development of his playmaking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Which junior teams and leagues did Erik Christensen play for before making the jump to the NHL?
A1: Christensen played junior hockey for the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Chapter 2: AHL Experience and the Path to the NHL
Erik Christensen's journey to the NHL included time in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. This section will discuss his time in the AHL and the steps he took to reach the NHL.
Chapter 3: NHL Career and Arrival in New York
Christensen's NHL career took him to various teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers, and Anaheim Ducks, before landing him in New York with the Rangers. This chapter will detail his arrival in the Big Apple and his role as a playmaking forward.
Chapter 4: The Playmaker's Role and Contributions
Erik Christensen's tenure with the New York Rangers saw him embrace the role of a playmaker, setting up goals and contributing offensively. This section will explore his role and contributions during his time with the Rangers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What were some of Erik Christensen's standout seasons or moments during his time with the New York Rangers, and which teammates did he have strong chemistry with on the ice?
A1: Christensen had some notable seasons with the Rangers, and he developed strong chemistry with several linemates, leading to memorable moments on the ice.
Chapter 5: Life Beyond the Rangers
After his time with the Rangers, Erik Christensen continued his professional hockey career, playing for various teams and in different leagues. This chapter will explore his post-Rangers journey and his contributions to subsequent teams.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Which teams and leagues did Erik Christensen play for after leaving the Rangers, and how did he continue to develop as a playmaking forward?
A1: Christensen continued to showcase his playmaking skills in various leagues, further honing his craft as a forward.
Erik Christensen's journey from Edmonton, Alberta, to Madison Square Garden is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of players in professional hockey. His time with the New York Rangers may have been marked by his role as a playmaking forward, but his contributions were invaluable in supporting the team's success. Christensen's #26 jersey remains a symbol of his dedication to the game and his journey to the highest level of professional hockey, inspiring aspiring playmakers and fans alike. As a reminder that hockey is a sport where every player, regardless of their role, plays a vital part in the team's pursuit of excellence, Erik Christensen's story continues to resonate with hockey enthusiasts around the world.
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