As New York’s season continues on an upward trend, now 5-1-2 in the New Year, having a healthy Kreider in the lineup provides yet another boost with the Rangers (21-20-3) trying to climb back into the playoff race after a dismal two-month stretch of hockey put them on the outside looking in.

The New York Rangers have been without Chris Kreider since January 4 due to an upper-body injury. He was placed on injured reserve just as the team started to dig out their hole in the standings. Amid trade rumors and a miserable season,