Strong presence of Noah Laba enhancing Rangers’ third line performance

Rangers May Have Found a Third-Line Player

The Rangers might have uncovered a strong player for their third line, something they’ve been lacking for quite some time.

Rookie Noah Laba is like a bull on the ice, not just because of his size—standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 214 pounds—but also his surprising speed. He moves quicker than you’d expect for someone his size.

Creating tough matchups is a priority for the Blueshirts, and Laba’s energetic play made a notable impact. He helped set up Vladislav Gavrikov for a goal, aiding in the team’s 4-2 victory over the Senators on Thursday night in Ottawa.

Taking the puck from Dennis Gilbert at center ice, the 22-year-old charged into the Senators’ zone, managing to shake off captain Brady Tkachuk, allowing the other four Rangers to get into position.

Interestingly, Laba didn’t even score; he was off the ice by the time the puck reached Gavrikov.

Head coach Mike Sullivan highlighted the significance of this play, noting, “I thought Laba was physical all night. He brought speed with his size. His physicality makes him more effective, and that third line—alongside Will Cuylle and Brett Berard—was energetic. Their identity is based on speed and tenacity.”

Sullivan also mentioned that Laba’s performance helped the team generate momentum, adding pressure on Ottawa and exhausting them in possession game. He described this as one of Laba’s more physical games in recent times.

The game really showcased Laba’s abilities; he had built enough trust with Sullivan after impressing early in his first-ever Rangers training camp to earn more ice time, especially in penalty-killing situations.

In his first 29 games, Laba has recorded four goals and four assists, all while maintaining a plus-5 rating.

Sullivan acknowledged his responsibility to manage Laba’s development, especially given he has yet to reach 30 career NHL games. He expressed admiration for Laba’s commitment and enthusiasm for learning.

This past game marked Laba’s second outing alongside Cuylle and Berard, and they seemed to click well together. Apparently, they combined for 18 hits and 15 shots on goal, presenting a dual threat both offensively and physically.

However, Sullivan did emphasize the need for improved puck management in crucial areas, which is to be expected from a rookie navigating his first NFL season.