Akeson has Rangers record in sight
Posted Mar 18, 2011 03:24:57 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Jason Akeson wasn’t even born when Dwight Foster established the Kitchener Rangers team record for assists in a single season.
But the 20-year old forward, who just signed a pro contract with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, has been hearing plenty about Foster’s memorable 1976-77 season of late.
“It’s tough to focus when everyone is talking about it,” admitted Akeson, who sat casually, ball cap turned backwards, outside the Rangers dressing room before practice today. “But right now what we’re really worried about is the two points to solidify that third spot (in the western conference standings). If we get those two points, hopefully the assists will come. And that will be something to remember for the rest of my life.”
Thirty-four years ago, Foster posted 83 assists to go alongside 60 goals for a Rangers team that finished six games under .500.
Akeson is looking to establish a new benchmark for helpers on a Rangers team that is headed to the playoffs but is also in the midst of a five-game losing streak. That doesn’t sit well with the soft-spoken Akeson, one of the leaders of this team.
“It’s not what you want to be doing going into the playoffs,” Akeson says of the five game slide. “But like I said to the guys, hopefully we’re getting it out of the way now so it doesn’t happen during the playoffs.”
Akeson has 24 goals and 82 assists for 106 points on the season, four more than Niagara’s Ryan Strome and five better than Ottawa’s Tyler Toffoli. With two games remaining in the regular season, Akeson clearly has something to play for.
“I enjoy setting people up, I enjoy making a nice play and it’s been working out for me this season,” says Akeson. “But I’ve also had a lot of guys putting the puck in the net for me so I’m thankful for them helping me get to this point.”
Akeson is looking to become the second Rangers player in the past four seasons to win a league scoring title. Justin Azevedo notched 43 goals and 81 assists to take the crown in 2007-2008.
Akeson has already done Azevedo one better in the assist department. But he characteristically shrugs off personal goals to put the team first.
“If it happens it happens, if it doesn’t it doesn’t,” Akeson says nonchalantly of the record.
With the final home game of the regular season looming tonight, you know Akeson would love to set the record in front of The Aud faithful. His 100th point of this season came during a three assist performance at home to Saginaw three weeks ago.
Game time tonight is 7:30 PM. Our pregame starts at 7:00 on 570 News.
