Rising Stars: Juraj Slafkovky and Alexis Lafrenière Shine for the Rangers

2024-04-22 00:07:38

NEW YORK | In Montreal there was a lot of talk regarding the rise of Juraj Slafkovky this winter. Before our eyes, the Slovak became a man. It took a little longer for Alexis Lafrenière, but it seems the same phenomenon happened in his fourth season with the Rangers.

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The very first pick of the 2020 draft ended up being a mess. He now uses his speed and frame to put pressure on opponents and force them to make mistakes. A perfect complement to the talented goalscorer Artemi Panarin and the effective midfielder Vincent Trocheck.

“That’s the type of player I want to be,” said the 22-year-old striker following this Rangers victory. I will try to be physical on the forecheck, to retrieve pucks.

On Sunday, that intensity allowed Lafrenière and his linemates to spend 68% of their time in the offensive zone (according to naturalstattrick). In the process, they had 10 scoring opportunities once morest just five. They exploited one of them.

Loin de Shesterkin

Besides, it was pretty much the same for all the Rangers players. When the deadlock was broken at the start of the second period, the action went pretty well away from Igor Shesterkin.

It was the fourth line that gave life to the Rangers by scoring two of the four goals.

“There were two big goals,” Lafrenière said. They have been playing good hockey since they got together. They provide energy and spend time in the offensive zone.

Rempe built for the series?

This energy comes, among other things, from Matt Rempe. The Rangers colossus is a crowd favourite. Every check, every puck recovery and in this case every goal are reasons to sing his name.

“It’s a dream come true. It was unreal, said the main character, if this first goal was scored at Madison Square Garden. They are the best supporters. They sang all night. I love them. I can’t thank them enough.”

It’s only one game, but the Albertan showed he might hold his own in a playoff game.

“Every time he’s in the lineup, he impacts the game,” said Jimmy Vesey, one of his linemates. It’s fun to play with him. He shows up every night for the team.”

“I know what type of player I am,” Rempe said. I can skate well and be physical. I’m built for series. I play hard, I want to be difficult to face, put pressure on the back of the territory, protect the puck and rush to the net.

We will see if this will still be the case when the opponent is tougher. Until then, let’s let him enjoy his moment.

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