There was something vintage about this, about the way Chris Kreider faded toward the high slot after the Rangers won a faceoff midway through the third period Thursday and snapped a shot toward the top corner,

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

Artemi Panarin had two goals, including an empty-netter, as the Rangers (4-0-2) extended their point streak to six games.