As the New York Rangers approach their last game of the month, they are quite pleased with the contributions from the line consisting of Will Cuylle, Filip Chytil, and Kaapo Kakko. This line has not only added depth and danger to the team with its impressive two-way play, but many would argue it’s among the top two-way lines in the NHL this season, especially now that Chytil is healthy.
So far, Cuylle, Chytil, and Kakko have emerged as one of the most effective line combinations in the NHL. Coach Peter Laviolette shows a strong level of trust in this line, deploying it more frequently than the Mika Zibanejad line that features Chris Kreider and Reilly Smith. The Chytil line has recorded about eight more minutes of ice time at even strength compared to the Zibanejad line during the season’s first eight games (79:33 versus 71:21). Although Zibanejad and Kreider tend to rack up more ice time on special teams, the increased usage of the Chytil line at even strength is notable.
Laviolette explained, “It’s more just trying to spread the bench out a little bit. Fil’s line has been really good with regard to generating positive numbers … My job is to try and find them minutes.” The Chytil line boasts an impressive stats record, being on the ice for eight goals scored and none allowed, and their expected goals for percentage (xGF) leads the team at 65.31 percent, according to Natural Stat Trick. They hold a 23-12 edge in high-danger chances while on the ice.
Individually, Cuylle ranks fourth on the team with seven points (two goals, five assists), while Chytil and Kakko sit slightly behind with three goals and three assists, and one goal and five assists, respectively. The top line, featuring Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, and Alexis Lafreniere, leads the Rangers in ice time with 102:10 this season. They have an even strength goal differential of 7-6, having out-chanced opponents 64-52, although they have been outmatched in high-danger chances (24-22).
The Zibanejad line has been on ice for three goals for and three against at even strength, with a scoring chances percentage of just 44, marking it as the lowest on the team. Laviolette noted, “Often, I’d say, they draw the tougher matchup… They want to get better.”
Laviolette also mentioned the frequently changing defensive pairings, as the team prepares to use its fourth different set of pairings in five games against the Washington Capitals. Rookie Victor Mancini will return to the lineup after being scratched for the win against Anaheim, and will partner with Braden Schneider, who moves back to his off side. Zac Jones will be scratched for the fourth time in five games.
The competition for a regular spot on the third defensive pair remains between Mancini and Jones. Mancini has three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games, while Jones has one assist in five. They initially teamed up for four games at the start of the season while Ryan Lindgren was sidelined with an injury.
Lindgren and Jacob Trouba will remain paired together after Lindgren’s recent goal against the Ducks, while the reliable pairing of K’Andre Miller and Adam Fox continues to lead the defense. Laviolette expressed his satisfaction with the Miller-Fox partnership, which has been together since the beginning of the season.
