The New York Rangers have enjoyed a fast start to the 2024-25 season, thanks in large part to their third line of Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Will Cuylle. This trio has been nothing short of dynamic, making a significant impact early in the season and positioning themselves as a crucial factor in the Rangers’ hopes for a deep playoff run. With youth, skill, and physicality, they are showing signs that they could be the key to finally taking the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals.
A Dominant Start for the Rangers Third Line
The numbers don’t lie. The Rangers’ third line has been a dominant force in their first few games, already outscoring opponents 4-0. They lead the NHL in goal differential among lines that have logged at least 20 minutes, and their 1.05 expected goals rate highlights their ability to generate high-quality scoring chances.
At the heart of this trio is Filip Chytil, the 25-year-old Czech centre who missed a large chunk of last season due to injury. His absence was glaring, and the Rangers struggled to fill the void he left in their lineup. But now that he’s back, his presence has been impossible to ignore. Chytil’s speed, puck protection, and ability to push the puck through defenders have given the Rangers a crucial weapon down the middle. His return to form has lengthened the team’s lineup and made them much more dangerous offensively.
It’s no surprise, then, that Chytil’s hunger to return to the ice was palpable during training camp. His impact has already been felt in games, with the team looking more complete and balanced when he’s on the ice.
Kakko and Cuylle: Poised for Breakout Seasons
While Chytil is the centrepiece of the line, Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle are proving to be perfect complements. Kakko, the 23-year-old former second overall pick, has shown signs that this could finally be his breakout year. Despite having only one point through the first two games, Kakko has been a possession monster, using his big frame and stickhandling to dominate in the offensive zone.
Will Cuylle, at 22, has been the X-factor on this line so far. Known for his physicality and ability to get to the net, Cuylle has added a different dimension to the line with his strong net-front presence. Cuylle’s three points in his first two games have already surpassed early expectations, and his ability to finish plays around the crease could prove vital as the season wears on. He has also been trusted in key situations, including on the penalty kill, showcasing his versatility.
Cuylle has quickly made a name for himself, and his involvement at both ends of the ice has made this line a legitimate threat. His power-forward style meshes well with Kakko’s finesse and Chytil’s speed, creating a well-rounded unit capable of controlling play against top opponents.
Potential Playoff X-Factor
The early success of the Rangers’ third line isn’t just a short-term boost for the team—it could be a key ingredient for long-term success. For the Rangers to contend for the Stanley Cup, secondary scoring will be crucial. With the top line anchored by veterans like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad, the third line’s ability to chip in offensively could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
In the playoffs, where matchups often dictate outcomes, the Rangers will need depth beyond their star players. The Chytil-Kakko-Cuylle line gives them that depth. Their ability to generate offense off the rush and dominate puck possession makes them difficult to play against, and they will only continue to improve as they grow more comfortable together.
For Chytil, this season represents an opportunity to cement his role as a key piece of the Rangers’ future. After missing most of last season, his health will be vital to their playoff aspirations. The Rangers know they need Chytil at his best if they are to make a serious run, which is why they have kept the trio intact, knowing how well they’ve gelled early on.
Kakko and Cuylle are both looking to grow their games as well. Kakko, entering his sixth NHL season, is determined to make a leap forward and show that he can be the star the Rangers envisioned when they drafted him second overall in 2019. Cuylle, on the other hand, is still finding his role but has the tools to be a crucial part of the Rangers’ future, both this season and beyond.
A Path to the Stanley Cup?
If the Rangers are to finally return to the Stanley Cup Finals, their third line will be a massive part of that journey. Their early success is encouraging, but sustaining that level of play over the course of a long season and into the playoffs will be the real test. However, the skill and balance this line provides could be the X-factor that helps the Rangers navigate the grueling postseason grind.
As the season progresses, keep an eye on how this trio continues to develop. If they can maintain their level of play—and if Kakko and Cuylle can take their games to the next level—the Rangers’ chances of hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1994 will be significantly higher.
For now, the future looks bright, and Rangers fans should be excited about what this young, dynamic line can bring to the table. They may very well be the key to unlocking the Rangers’ full potential and taking them back to the promised land.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
