The young players of the New York Rangers have demonstrated their skills on both offense and defense for some time now. They excel in areas such as capturing and converting rebounds, accurate shooting, deflecting shots, and generating significant offensive contributions. Rangers fans expect consistent excellence from their team, but occasional setbacks and losses can dampen hope. However, there’s no need to worry now! The future looks promising, and the only direction is upward. The Blueshirts are closing in on strong competitors in their division, like the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals, and the ongoing growth of their young stars can be crucial in surpassing these teams.
Focusing on Will Cuylle and the Rangers’ young talent, facing losses can be hard, especially considering that Calgary has now taken over the Rangers’ previous winning streak. On Thursday, the Flames ended New York’s run with a 3-2 victory.
Nevertheless, left-winger Will Cuylle, 22, out of Toronto, is on track for a breakout season alongside his prominent teammate Alexis Lafreniere. Cuylle has scored three goals in his last five games and is only six points shy of his entire output from the previous season, during which he accumulated 21 points in 81 games. This year, in just 18 games, he has already tallied 15 points, with seven of them being goals. Elite Prospects forecasts Cuylle could finish the season with 68 points, including 32 goals and 36 assists, marking a significant leap in his performance. Here’s hoping he maintains this momentum and stays healthy.
In Thursday’s game, Cuylle showcased his potential as a goal tipper, reminiscent of Chris Kreider. It was exciting to watch his young line mate Kaapo Kakko win a faceoff against seasoned centerman Nazem Kadri. Additionally, Cuylle deftly deflected a shot from standout defenseman K’Andre Miller past Flames players from near the faceoff circle, adding to his contribution amid traffic.
Cuylle’s impressive 19.4 shooting percentage ranks in the league’s 82nd percentile, further highlighting his performance.
Turning to Alexis Lafreniere, the 23-year-old forward stands out as a pivotal player among the Rangers’ youth. His recent performance is stellar, as he continues to rack up points. Like Cuylle, Lafreniere also capitalized on rebounds, scoring after defenseman Jacob Trouba’s shot was saved by Calgary’s goalie, allowing him to net the puck and put the Rangers on the scoreboard. His accurate shooting stats are climbing as well, with a notable 21.2 shooting percentage, placing him in the league’s 88th percentile.
Shifting focus to veteran goalie Jonathan Quick, he brings invaluable experience to the team while maintaining high performance. Having played just five games this season, Quick has made four starts and recorded two consecutive shutouts in his last outings, boasting an impressive .970 save percentage and 0.91 goals-against average this year. His exceptional stats showcase his skill and the harmony he shares with the Rangers’ players.
Quick acknowledges the team’s role in his success, stating, “At the end of the day, as a goalie, you’re very dependent on your team in front of you.” He emphasizes his gratitude for playing alongside talented teammates throughout his career. In a recent 4-0 win against the Detroit Red Wings, he made an impressive 37 saves, demonstrating that his goaltending is a crucial element of the Rangers’ success. This depth in goaltending, alongside the renowned Igor “Shesty” Shesterkin, means the Rangers have a reliable backup in Quick if needed.
