Lafreniere has been perfect fit for second line

The Rangers’ unit featuring Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere has been their most productive at even strength since they joined forces in wake of Vitali Kravtsov’s injury in the season-opener.

Kravtsov is now healthy, but Lafreniere has played so well in that spot that it’s tough to imagine Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant wanting to break the trio up. They have skated together since

Kravtsov went down in the first period of Game 1, logging 56:12 of ice time and scoring five goals with five goals against, according to Natural Stat Trick.

“I thought last game was one of our better games together,” Trocheck told The Post on Saturday after practice at MSG Training Center. “I thought we played really well in all three zones. We’ve been creating chances offensively since we came together as a line. I just think there was a few things we need to work on in the D zone. That comes with some chemistry. I thought last game we played well defensively and offensively. I like the trajectory that our line is on.”

While offense has come naturally to Panarin, Trocheck and Lafreniere, the defense — like the rest of the team — could be a little tighter. Trocheck said he thinks they can be better at closing out opponents’ opportunities more quickly, which should feed into their transition game.

As much as they want to be effective on both sides of the puck, it’s on offense where the line can shine.

Asked if he has gotten used to playing next to Panarin, Trocheck said he feels he has.

“It’s gotten better and better each game and I feel like I’ll just continue to learn more and more about him,” said Trocheck, who is riding a four-game point streak (two goals, four assists) into the game Sunday against the Blue Jackets. “As a line, we’ll continue to grow. He’s been fun to play with, obviously a special talent. I’m just trying to stay out of his way a little bit and make sure I can find him as much as possible.”

Filling the top two rightwing spots was difficult last season, but Kaapo Kakko and Lafreniere have assumed the responsibility in 2022-23 and have made the most of it. While Kakko has two goals in five games, the Finnish winger has also allowed the top line to morph into a sort of possession unit.

Lafreniere, who has a goal and two assists, has complimented the Trocheck and Panarin duo.

“He’s been awesome,” Trocheck said of Lafreniere. “For a young guy, the way he plays, it’s a little old school in a sense. He plays extremely hard and works hard on forechecks, backchecks, he does all the right things. It’s a breath of fresh air to play with a kid like that.”