Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Mollie Walker notes that for all of the glamour that comes with Chris Kreider’s strong first half of the season, the All-Sta winger only sees it as a means to the end of winning games (NY Post)
• Colin Stephenson lists five keys for the Blueshirts as they continue their playoff push (Newsday)
• Vincent Mercogliano hears from some of Kreider’s teammates who aren’t surprised at the career year Kreider has had thus far (LoHud)
• Tom Castro argues that Braden Schneider hasn’t looked out of place since being recalled from AHL Hartford (The Hockey Writers)
• Brian Abate makes the case for Alexis Lafreniere remaining on the top line when the Rangers return to play (The Hockey Writers)/

Around the NHL:

• Sean Leahy relays word of which players will be competing in the various events during the All Star Skills Competition (NBC Sports)
• Shayna Goldman breaks down the three best defensive pairings from the first half of the season (Sportsnet)
• The Anaheim Ducks have hired Pat Verbeek as Bob Murray’s replacement as general manager (TSN)/