The need for Johnny Brodzinski, the emergence of Will Quill, and the offensive struggles of Kaapo Kakko have created a makeshift third line for the Rangers that has really started to show signs of promise as of late.
Friday night’s 4-3 overtime win over the Blackhawks marked the trio’s fifth straight matchup, a line designed by head coach Peter Laviolette in the preseason.
Their first appearance together was on September 28th in the third exhibition game between the Blueshirts and the Devils at The Garden.
“Our lineup is playing very well together, very well,” Brodzinski said after giving the Rangers a 3-1 lead in the second period on Friday. “I think it’s just a great chemistry that we’re finally able to play a few games together. We’re getting a lot better just by being aware of each other’s positions overall.”
This is a unit that appears on the internet. You can add physicality.
And over the last four games, this line has proven it can also score.
Brodzinski has scored three points in the last four contests and had four points, including his fourth multi-point shot of the season against the Senators before the All-Star break.
After helping Quill push into the neutral zone, Kakko danced over the blue line with the puck on his stick until the Rangers rookie made a tag and the line entered the zone.
The Finnish wing had momentum heading into the zone before taking a shot from the left faceoff circle.
Quill had already found the back of the net, knocking the puck out of the reach of Chicago goaltender Peter Mzalek, before Brodzinski tucked in and buried the puck, giving the Rangers a two-goal lead.
In 44 minutes, 25 seconds of ice time, Quill, Brodzinski and Kakko were on the ice for three points and two goals for the Rangers, according to Natural Stat Trick.
They are even 21-21 in attempts and also have a 13-9 edge in dangerous chances.
Alexis Lafreniere’s game-tying goal in the first period Friday night marked his 60th career road point (29 goals, 31 assists).
Only four Rangers players have scored more points as a visitor since their debut in 2020-21: Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox and Chris Kreider.
