No power outage could have stopped the Blueshirts as the New York Rangers second line shined in the 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. Combining for three of the four tallies, the second line forwards exemplify Peter Laviolette’s system perfectly. They are fast, they are in your face, and are controlling possession every chance that they get.
Although the main headline might have revolved around Jonathan Quick in Seattle, it will be the surge of “The Breadman” that will have everyone talking before the Rangers visit Alberta to take on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
New York Rangers Second Lines Provides the Lighting Against Kraken
Less than two minutes into Saturday’s contest, Climate Pledge Arena experienced a slight problem with its lights. At the time, the Rangers zone was completely dimmed compared to the fully lit Seattle end. The delay lasted around 10 minutes, with both teams agreeing to switch sides at the halfway point of each period. With Quick and the Blueshirts conceding the first, and only, Seattle goal in the dimmed end, many blamed the lights. However, it was the Rangers second line that put all of that speculation to bed.
The chemistry between Artemi Panarin, Filip Chytil, and Alexis Lafrenière was noticeable in the first five games. Sure, it might not have been on full display against the Nashville Predators, but the connection was revived in The Emerald City this past Saturday.
Their impressive play goes beyond just finding the open man. It’s each of them playing to their potential and not backing down. The word “resilient” comes to mind when describing their play against the Kraken. Now, this line will look to continue its extraordinary form as Western Canada awaits The Blueshirts.
The Breadman Continues to Deliver
When the NHL Top 100 comes out every year, it amuses us at LWOS by where Artemi Panarin ends up. Ranger fans everywhere will admit that they have not seen a free agent make this great of an impact on the organization, maybe ever. Also, knowing that he rejected more money from the New York Islanders makes it just a little more special.
Panarin is the epitome of a point-per-game player. As a member of both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Columbus Blue Jackets, he was viewed as a pure sniper. A lock for over 20 goals a season, the former Calder Memorial Trophy winner was no stranger to finding the back of the net.
😮💨 pic.twitter.com/y39USjW75S
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 22, 2023
His role changed when he signed for New York back in 2019. Many fans were up in arms that the top left-wing spot had remained with Chris Kreider, but that is all water under the bridge by now. Fast forward to 2023, he is sitting with seven points (three goals, four assists) in just five games played. He is trusted so much that Laviolette is double-shifting him, playing 19 minutes a night. Most of his rushes come on that red-hot second line, but he will be rotated on the third. On the newly constructed Rangers second line, he is the veteran presence.
Early observations show that Panarin is bringing the best out of his linemates. In a time where these young Rangers forwards are being observed under a metaphoric microscope, they are lucky to have such a dynamic teammate in the form of “The Breadman”.
Filip Chytil: New York’s Best First Round Pick of the Century?
A player who has drastically improved since signing his rookie contract has been Filip Chytil. The former first-round pick in 2017 has thrived in each of his roles since the start of his Broadway tenure. His most recognizable performance was centring the famous “Kid Line” for the last two years, playing in between Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko.
Chytil seemed to have skipped past the critical examination phase that Kakko and Lafrenière are still in. It might be because Chytil was selected 17th overall in his draft class and not first or second.
So many options.
One right answer. 😁 pic.twitter.com/P3I5uqhi50— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 22, 2023
Although he has yet to find the back of the net as of yet, Chytil’s three assists against Seattle earned him the Broadway Hat. It is clear that his hard work is not going unnoticed by the coaching staff. The Czechia native is slowly turning into a fan favourite. If New York’s social media tells you one thing, it’s that “Filda” has one heck of a personality.
Hello good morning pic.twitter.com/vfS0RNzzP7
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 22, 2023
Don’t Worry, Be Taffy
The feed.
The finish. pic.twitter.com/AWN5hbZ5d6— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 22, 2023
With two goals to his name, Lafrenière is slowly putting a stop to the hate he’s been getting all offseason. His performance on this line might be the best thing that has ever happened to the former first-overall pick.Playing on his off wing has seemed to work, especially on his goal in Seattle on Saturday. Yes, the play starts with the superb play of Chytil, but Lafrenière’s ability off the puck to find an open lane was tremendous. Slowly but surely, Lafrenière continues to provide both strength and intelligence on the Rangers second line.
Main photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
