Rangers Adjust Lineup Ahead of Game Against Seattle

Manager Mike Sullivan made several lineup changes for Monday’s match against Seattle at Madison Square Garden. One of the most significant adjustments was moving Alexis Lafreniere from the second line to the third line, while Gabe Perreault shifted to the second line.

After the team’s morning skate in Greenburgh, Sullivan mentioned that the change was “performance-based.” There’s a clear expectation for more from Lafreniere, the former No. 1 overall pick, who has seen less ice time in recent games and hasn’t met expectations.

Sullivan has expressed a liking for Perreault’s style of play, wanting to give the 20-year-old more opportunities. On the flip side, he hasn’t hidden his disappointment with Lafreniere, who has only netted nine goals this season—two of which have come in the last 16 games.

When asked about the changes, Sullivan noted, “Part of it is based on performance… We need more. We need more from some of our players.” He added that he believes Lafreniere has the potential to contribute more.

In Monday’s 4-2 defeat against Seattle, Lafreniere again found himself unable to keep pace with teammates Noah Laba and Brennan Osman. That said, Osman did demonstrate some promising skills early on after being called up from AHL Hartford.

Sullivan mentioned that he and Lafreniere had a discussion aimed at helping the young player grow. He acknowledged Lafreniere’s talent but emphasized the need for him to meet the team’s expectations.

Osman, still searching for his first NHL goal, hit the post twice during the game after a strong performance recently in the AHL.

Sullivan is looking for players who can make an immediate impact on the roster. He also commented on Matt Lempe, who is still recovering from thumb surgery that sidelined him for 24 games earlier in the season, which partly accounted for his absence on Monday.

He expressed a desire to see Lempe make a difference when he is fully healthy, as that’s when the player brings the most to the ice.

Lempe has yet to return to form after his injury, which has affected his overall performance. With him out, Sullivan moved Taylor Radish to the fourth line alongside Johnny Brodzinski and Sam Carrick.

The decision to replace Lafreniere with Perreault on the second line reflected growing confidence in the younger player.

Sullivan praised Perreault’s development, pointing out his improved poise and playmaking skills. Although he’s been getting regular playing time lately, he only registered one assist over the past seven games.

Will Quill hasn’t scored in eight games, and Sullivan is keen for him to refine his style, suggesting he should adopt a more physical, “north-south” approach, especially when playing alongside experienced playmakers like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad.

However, Sullivan did mention that Quill sometimes strays from that game plan, which has led to inconsistent play.

Lastly, Sullivan stated that Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin are both on track in their recoveries.