Forward Chris Kreider says he's relieved to have reached 50 goals for the NHL season for the benefit of his New York Rangers teammates.
The Rangers, 15/1 to win the Stanley Cup in 2021/22, were defeated 4-2 by the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, in which Kreider reached the proud mark.
Tough result to take
The defeat was the Rangers' first in three games and snapped a four-game point streak.
The 30-year-old sits third in the NHL for goals, his career-best, which was previously 28 in 2016/17 and 2018/19.
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The first-round, 19th overall pick of the Rangers in 2009 has also registered 21 assists taking his points total to 71 which is third best for New York.
Fourth man on the list
Kreider is the fourth 50-goal scorer in Rangers' history, joining Jaromir Jagr (54 in 2005/06), Adam Graves (52 in 1993/94) and Vic Hadfield (50 in 1971/72).
His form in front of goal has helped the Rangers (47-21-6) to second place in the Metropolitan Division.
Their 100 points is four points behind the leaders, Carolina with eight games remaining.
Kreider said about reaching the milestone: "To be honest, I'm just glad it's over because I think it was on other people's minds. We've got a lot of really good guys who were pulling for me; unbelievable teammates.
"It's better for the whole team now that we can just go back to playing hockey and taking what the other team gives us."
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