The expected increased competition is expected to reveal the true capabilities of the Rangers’ third line after it functioned like a shutdown checking unit in the first round against the Capitals.
However, the Hurricanes will present a much different challenge than any opponent the Rangers have had to overcome in the past.
Will Quill, Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko working as a line, crushing pucks below the hash marks, holding the ball in the offensive zone and playing a tight defensive game will be key for the Rangers in the second round. There is a possibility that
That was the case in the first series as well.
According to Natural Stat Trick, in 30 minutes and 13 seconds of ice time, the third line scored one goal for the Rangers (from Kakko in Game 4), was on the ice without a point, and held a 32-22 advantage in shot attempts. I kept it.
They posted an expected goals percentage of 67.09 in addition to finishing with a 4-3 advantage in dangerous chances.
It was a line that head coach Peter Laviolette clearly felt comfortable throwing against any opposing unit.
“They had a good line,” Laviolette said midway through the first round. “Even if zone time doesn’t do anything, you’re still in the right zone, the offensive zone. You’re in possession of the ball and you can defend yourself.” I’m making you do that. ”
Kakko in particular should be well-equipped to compete in a series against a Hurricanes team that likes to play a relentless man-to-man defense.
His tendency to hold the puck in the offensive zone as much as possible could help the Rangers counter the pressure that Carolina consistently generates.
“We played a lot in the O-zone,” Kakko said. “We feel like that’s our game and that’s what we have to do. Take the same chances over there as we did.”
Puck drop for Game 1 of the second-round series against the Hurricanes is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. at Madison Square Garden. The rest of the schedule has not yet been announced.
The Rangers had Friday off, but are scheduled to return to practice Saturday.
