The New York Ranger’s best line five-on-five does not have Mika Zibanejad or Chris Kreider playing on it
Some of the names, such as Will Cuylle and John Brodinski, may not be household names among the NHL fanatics, but the duo skating along with Kappo Kakko has become the Blueshirts best trio at even-strength over the last five games.
Cuylle has played in 53 games this season, netting nine goals with 15 points. Brodinsiki was called up following the injury to Filip Chytil early in the season and has now appeared in 34 games, adding 10 assists and 14 points. Kakko, who missed significant time due to a lower-body injury, has found a home on the right side after a failed time playing on the top line.
The offensive product may be on a few highlight reels, but head coach Peter Laviolette has acknowledged that their hard work and consistent pressure in the offensive zone have led to the line getting more ice time.
How much more ice time is up for debate and asks the question: Play the superstars who have the experience or play the players who have become more successful over a short period of games?
Laviolette wants to get this line out on the ice more, but many factors must be looked at when considering how to get the trio more ice time. It is more than just the consistent pressure Laviolette expects from his line combinations.
Power play opportunities
Penalty Killing
Rotating all four lines
All are key factors when deciding who to put on the ice for that next shift. The top six players are the most significant step the coaching staff needs to factor in.
Zibanejad and Kreider, Blake Wheeler, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere all need significant minutes every game.
It’s a good problem, but one that needs clear-cut answers to solve it.
Laviolette will use the third line to help spark the top two lines. He will also use this line when the team is looking for deep zone pressure on the opposition end of the ice, hoping their hard work will produce goals, especially at five-on-five, which the Rangers have been struggling to do consistently for most of the season.
The Brodzinki line has become a trio that the coaching staff can rely on in most game situations. Winning hockey games is the priority, with less than 30 games remaining before the playoffs begin.
This line combination may not see a significant improvement regarding ice time, but they will earn the crucial minutes in tight games, which is something to build on for a line whose average age is 25 years old.
Follow Frank on X at @RangerProud
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