Quebec's Alexis Lafrenière finally ended an eight-game scoreless drought on Sunday, and the New York Rangers will be hoping their forward can do better to pick up more wins.
Author of his team's second goal in a 3-2 win against the Washington Capitals, the first pick in the National Hockey League (NHL) draft in 2020, had not fired a red light since December 27th. His problems coincided with a recent four-game losing streak for the Blueshirts and, hoping to find solutions, head coach Peter Laviolette reduced the number 13's playing time. Against the 'Caps, the concerned principal appeared to be limited to 14:47 the message.
“I think they worked really hard for each other, especially in attack and in enemy territory,” said the pilot, pointing to the work of the trio of Lafrenière, Artemi Panarin and Vincent. Trocheck.
“In my opinion there is still good chemistry between the three of them. They know when to play small games in small spaces. They are all talented and a little different too. “They form a dangerous line, one of the most impressive in the NHL when it comes to creating plays,” Laviolette continued, as reported by the New York Post.
Key element
If the New York club wants to finish at the top of the Metropolitan league, it needs Lafrenière in great shape. Unless he gets injured, he should finish the regular season with his highest point total in a season: He has 26 points so far, or 13 fewer than last season. However, the former Rimouski Océanic, who plays in the Quebec youth system, needs to refine his defensive game if he wants to gain the trust of his boss on the bench. He has a differential of -7, the third worst on his team.
The Rangers face the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. They lead their group, two points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers.