New York Rangers Third Line Could Be Their X-Factor This Season – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

In the last playoffs, the New York Rangers didn’t get much offense from their third line of Will Cuylle, Kaapo Kakko and Alex Wennberg. They combined for only three goals in the Rangers run to the Eastern Conference finals. The biggest missing piece was Filip Chytil as he missed most of the 2023-24 season due to injury and while he returned for six playoff games, it was clear that he was not 100% and was not responsible for those games.

With Wennberg signing with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent, the Rangers had a hole at third-line center and now, Chytil is back healthy and supporting the middle line with Cuylle and Kakko. His return gives the Rangers an offensive spark in the bout six that was missing last season and this streak could be the catalyst that helps the team win its first Stanley Cup in 31 years.

Filip Chytil’s Return Is A Big Boost

Many may not remember, but last season, the player who started as the third line center was Vincent Trocheck. It was Chytil who played on the second line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere and the three played 10 games together before Chytil went down with an injury. Trocheck stepped up and that line was the best in the entire NHL all season. Now, Trocheck remains on the second line while Chytil is back playing on the third line. While he may not be a third-string player, his presence on that line brings an offensive intensity that was missing last season.

Players like Wennberg, Nick Bonino, Barclay Goodrow, and Johnny Brodzinski all played as a third-line center last season and any one of them could bring any offense to that line. With Chytil back healthy, he brings his speed and scoring ability to that line and his ability to drive plays will be very beneficial if the Rangers want to make a deep run in the playoffs. Every team that wins the Stanley Cup gets points from the bottom six and now, the Rangers will get some of those goals with Chytil back. He even scored his first goal of the season in his first game back.

Will Cuylle’s Second Season Development Is Important

Cuylle forced his way into the team last season after performing well in training camp. He played 81 games, recording 13 goals and 21 points. He led all rookies in hits last season and was seventh in the entire league with 249 hits. He made his presence felt last season and with one season now under his belt, it’s time to see some growth in his game; so far this season, he’s looked great. He has one goal and three points in the Rangers’ first three games and is a plus-4.

Related: Rangers’ Panarin, Trocheck and Lafreniere off to Strong Start

He has had a huge impact so far and that is very important for him and Rangers. They will need more offense from him and his line with Chytil and Kakko give the Rangers another offense. If he can continue to play like this throughout the season and into the playoffs, he could earn himself a long-term contract as he is a restricted free agent after the season. You definitely have something to play with.

Kaapo Kakko’s Last Chance to Prove His Worth

It’s safe to say that Kakko will never live up to his second-choice status. Now entering his sixth season with the Rangers, he has yet to show why he deserves to be on the Rangers’ long-term roster. Many thought he would be gone after last season, but instead he was given a one-year contract and now he has to show why he is part of this team now and going forward. While he may not be a great scorer or a great passer, he has other aspects of his game that make him useful and suitable for the third line.

Kakko’s greatest strength is puck control and his ability to win board battles. It’s always difficult for opponents to get a kick out of him when he’s in the attacking position. This allows him to control the puck and find scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates. So even though he won’t be where he was drafted, Kakko can still give something to the Rangers and he needs to have his best season if he wants to remain a Ranger this season.

The Rangers’ back three could really be the biggest X-Factor for them going forward. Although you know what you’re getting in the top six, the bottom six is ​​now the best it has looked in years and the third line is a big reason why. They can create offense, but can be relied upon to match and play defense against other teams’ top lines. They really can do it all and it will be interesting to watch how this line plays out as the season progresses.