Klein is off to a pretty good start.
If you’ve been around these parts long, you know that, prior to this season, we weren’t the biggest fans of Kevin Klein. It was nothing personal, we just felt there were better options out there. He was certainly serviceable, but for that contract, the Rangers could probably have done better. It wasn’t an uncommon or unpopular opinion either.
Then this season happened. The injuries mounted, and Klein was forced into a top-four role for an extended period of time. Klein has responded by tying his career high in goals just 18 games into the season (4), and is on pace to shatter his career high in points (21). All that while showing improvement in his possession numbers, despite being paired with Marc Staal (more on that later).
Klein has shown more confidence in jumping in on offense, but it’s more than just joining the rush or blasting shots from the point. He’s recognizing open ice and defensive miscues, and finding space in the high slot for opportunities. The Rangers have enough skilled forwards to recognize when their defenseman creeps in, and can put it in his wheelhouse. We saw that against the Flyers, when Klein snuck in from the point after Wayne Simmonds forgot to cover him. We also saw this against the Devils, when Klein recognized two men on Chris Kreider and went to the open slot for the pass and OT winner.
Some of it has to do with Klein shooting more. He’s on pace for 82 SOG for the season. He hasn’t cracked 80 since his two best offensive seasons (2010-2011, 2011-2012) in Nashville. Shooting 22% is a big factor here, and it’s impossible for him to continue shooting at that clip, but his increased awareness to find the open space will certainly help keep him above his 5% career average.
Klein has spent most of his time this season paired with Staal, which has actually hindered his possession numbers. Klein currently sports a 49.46% CF, his best since the 2008-2009 season. When he is paired with Staal, that dips to 48.3%. When he is not with Staal, it jumps to 51.0%. It’s actually pretty interesting to see that, especially since this is well above his career norm. Also worth noting: Klein started more than 50% of his shifts in the offensive zone last year. This year: 45%, and still better possession numbers.
Klein has done what the club expected from Staal and Dan Girardi: Be a stabilizing force on the blue line while dealing with injuries. While it’s unlikely to last the rest of the season, it’s nice to see someone be that steadying presence while Ryan McDonagh is out.
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