Kreider’s 2nd hat trick in 5 games leads to victory over Devils

NEWARK, N.J. — New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider is so hot these days, even shots that go off his body are finding their way into the net.

The only spoiler in his second hat trick in five games was a scary leg injury that led to goaltender Igor Shesterkin being helped off the ice late in the third period.

Kreider extended his goal-scoring binge to nine in the last six games and the Rangers beat the slumping New Jersey Devils 6-1 on Thursday night.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Rangers coach David Quinn, who team has been withouttopforwardArtemiPanarinfor five games. “So, you know, he’s is a vocalleader. He’splayingphysical. He’splayinghardatbothendsand gettingrewardedwithsometimely goals. It could not comeat a better time for our team.”

Kreider, who scored three in a loss to Philadelphia on Feb. 24, has 13 goals overall. He completed his natural hat trick 23 seconds into the final period after scoring twice in the second. His fourth career hat trick came on five shots.

Shesterkin seemed to hurt his right leg with just under six minutes to play when he stretched to stop a 2-on-1 break and shot by DamonSeverson. He went down without contact and had to helped off the ice, dragging the leg.

Quinn didn’t have an update on the goaltender’s injury after the game, except to say it was lower body. Alexandar Georgiev finished the game.

Shesterkin kept the Rangers in the game in the first period by stopping 13 of 14 shots. He finished with 32 saves in helping the Rangers win their second straight and their fifth in seven.

Pavel Buchnevich, Brendan Smith and Alexis Lafreniere also scored for New York.

Jack Hughes scored early for the Devils, who have lost four straight and seven of eight. It was his third goal against New York in as many games. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 11 of 15 shots before being lifted. Aaron Dell finished up.

Kreider tied the game at 8:58 on a great power-play rush. In quick succession. Adam Fox, Buchnevich and Ryan Strome connected on up-ice passes with Strome finding Kreider alone in front.