The Rangers headed North of the Border to face the Maple Leafs on Saturday. In a game that had a little bit of everything, speed, skill, physical play, a back-and-forth overtime, the end result was decided in a shootout, which pleases some and angers others. Toronto prevailed 4-3, sending the home fans home happy.
The big story for New York, besides the expected Matt Rempe–Ryan Reaves fight, which came to fruition, was the continued excellent work of the “second line” and struggles of the “top line.” The stud of the line, Artemi Panarin, notched a pair of assists and is now up to 84 points (35 goals and 49 assists), inching closer to his first-ever 100-point season. Vincent Trocheck, who continues to contribute across the board nightly, notched a pair of goals, including the tying tally with 67 seconds remaining left. The 30-year-old center, who replaced Panarin on the All-Star team, is second on the team with 58 points (22 goals and 36 assists) and has an outside shot at exceeding his career-high of 75 points set in 2017-18 as a member of the Panthers.
The key to this line may be the success of Alexis Lafreniere, the first overall pick in the draft 2020 draft. Viewed by many – and possibly most – as a bust, Lafreniere has changed the narrative. Lafreniere had a snipe inside the crossbar for the first goal of the game and added assists on the other two goals of the game, as that line drove play throughout the contest. The three points give Laf 39 in 61 games, which ties his career mark set last season in 81 games. Beyond those points though, his play has been what is most impressive, as he driving possession and has upped his physicality to create time and space.
ICYMI: @JimBiringer reacts to the Elias Pettersson extension with the #Canucks on the #NightCapRecap#NHL #HokeyTwitter @FP_Coverage pic.twitter.com/lvWY9Pn3oC
— Full Press Hockey (@FullPressNHL) March 3, 2024
On the flip side, Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider look lost. The duo – along with Kaapo Kakko – were vastly outplayed by their counterparts last night, continuing what has been a troubling trend for a substantial stretch of time. GM Chris Drury needs to import a first-line right winger, but even if he does, both Zib and CK20 need to look in the mirror and realize what they have been providing is less than acceptable. Granted, they are matched up against the opponents’ top line, which adds to their challenge, but if that duo or trio isn’t producing offensively 5×5, New York will have a hard time irrespective of who they play in the playoffs.
Around Full Press Hockey
NHL Rumors: NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets
NHL:Â Senators Getting Contributions In All Areas
NHL: NHL Rumblings: Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins
PWHL:Â PWHL: An Innovative League
PODCAST: Ep 81: NHL Trade Deadline Is Upon Us
WANT MORE PODCASTS? Check Out Some Of The Latest From Around The FPC Network
In March, out of the 14 games on the docket, 13 of which are against teams with winning marks. Monday, they welcome in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference-leading Panthers to MSG. Games against the Blues, who are on the fringes of playoff contention, the slightly reeling Devils, new-arch rivals Hurricanes, and old-rivals, the Lightning and Penguins take up the first half of the month. Of course, the remainder of the month brings little respite, as contests versus the Islanders, Jets, Bruins, Panthers again, Flyers and Avalanche follow. New York gets a smidge of a break as the final contest of the month is against the Coyotes, though no win can ever be counted on in this league.