New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette is thrilled to have center Filip Chytil back in the lineup. Chytil returned on Saturday for a game against the Montreal Canadiens, where he played a crucial role in creating Kaapo Kakko’s game-winning power-play goal, leading the Rangers to a 4-3 victory that snapped a five-game losing streak. Chytil had missed those five games due to an upper-body injury sustained in a collision with teammate K’Andre Miller during a win against the San Jose Sharks on November 14.
In total, Chytil was sidelined for seven games and saw an increase in playing time upon his return, logging 16:22 minutes compared to his season average of 13:51, and leading all Rangers centers in even-strength ice time with 14:09. Despite his history of concussions, Laviolette expressed confidence in Chytil’s readiness and emphasized the team’s need for a win.
Chytil, who has dealt with multiple concussions over his eight seasons in the NHL, stated he enjoyed the added ice time and starting the game as the center on a new first line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. He acknowledged that more consistent shifts help maintain focus and increase opportunities to contribute.
After the victory against the Canadiens, Chytil reflected on his challenging time away from the ice but chose not to elaborate on it further. Last season, the Panarin-Chytil-Lafreniere trio only played together for 10 games before Chytil’s injury prompted a reshuffling that led to a very successful line with Vincent Trocheck.
Now fully healthy at the start of the new season, Chytil had initially been placed back on the third line, where he formed a strong unit with Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko, outscoring opponents significantly when on the ice. Against the Canadiens, Chytil showcased his speed and offensive prowess, helping his line generate impressive scoring chances.
However, things didn’t go as well against the New Jersey Devils, where Chytil’s line struggled and was broken up as Laviolette opted to reduce their ice time. Chytil finished that game with only 11:47 TOI and no shots on goal, but he has had a strong season overall, contributing nine points in 17 games. Most importantly, he is healthy again and ready to support the Rangers as they face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.
