The Rangers are just 8-8 since Dec. 5 and haven't looked like one of the NHL's best teams for over a month.
And while the Blueshirts are still plagued by injuries and inconsistent play after losing their second straight game to the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, head coach Peter Laviolette has his team's top line ready for Tuesday's practice. Stirred.
Will Quill moved from the third line to replace Blake Wheeler on the right wing, with Mika Zibanejad in center and Chris Kreider on the left.
“It was pretty cool,” Quill said. “Let's see what the situation is on the outside. Obviously, these two are really good players. A legendary couple at Rangers. I can learn a lot from them as well.”
Laviolette stressed that it was “just practice,” but didn't rule out using the line Thursday against the Blues in St. Louis.
“It was an opportunity to get him there and see how he was doing,” Laviolette said of Quill, 21. “You see a lot of different things in practice.”
However, Laviolette praised Caillou's solid play and ability to avoid mistakes.
“Will is probably one of our most physically fit players,” Laviolette said. “He comes in on the forecheck. [and] Bangs body.
In some ways, Quill's game is similar to Kreider's, especially when it comes to physical play in front of the net.
“Crider makes a living there,” Laviolette said. “For me, [Cuylle] He's a guy who can go out there and make some noise. ”
According to Laviolette, the decision also had to do with the fact that the Rangers weren't at their best.
“Sometimes it's confusing when you have some guys out of the lineup,'' said Laviolette, who participated in Tuesday's practice but was still wearing a non-contact jersey and is unlikely to be back by Thursday. He mentioned Kaapo Kakko.
“It changes things,” Laviolette said. “I don't know if we would behave like that if we were healthy. [But] It wasn't. If we don't have all the assets available, we may fill another spot. Take on any challenge and take your time. ”
Quill is confident he and Kreider can succeed together, even if there is some overlap in their games.
“It's just reading each other,” Quill said. “If I see him standing in front of the net, I'm not going to stand next to him.”
Quill has scored seven goals this season while playing as a third-line left winger, while Wheeler has just five. Wheeler moved to the third line Tuesday next to Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey.
Regarding the move from left wing to right wing, Caillou said no major adjustments were needed other than making sure he was on the right side of the defensive zone and receiving passes from another defenseman.
And while Quill wants to make the most of his turns with Kreider and Zibanejad, he said it's important not to change his style of play.
“I was saying [Monday]I try to play my game no matter what line I play,” Quill said. “That's what I'm trying to do: keep things simple. [and] Work hard. I'm not going to change the way I play.”
He also knows what this means for him.
“It's huge,” Quill said. “It's a chance to show that I can potentially play with top players. I'm looking forward to it. I hope I get a shot. [to do it] In the game. ”
