Blueshirts’ underperforming top line finally delivers
The Rangers’ most polarizing line is playing some of its best hockey at the perfect time.
Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider and Jack Roslovic, who have largely been grouped together on the team’s first line in recent weeks after Roslovic’s arrival ahead of the trade deadline, produced four points during the Rangers’ 4-0 win over the Senators on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. The win clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and homeice advantage throughout the entirety of the playoffs for the Rangers.
Kreider delivered two assists, Zibanejad added an assist and Roslovic scored the game’s opening goal. The game prior, a 3-2 shootout win over the Islanders on Saturday, Kreider and Zibanejad each recorded an assist.
“Excellent. They were excellent,” head coach Peter Laviolette said after Monday’s game. “Last game, and [Monday night] as well. Really good [sign]. All three of them I thought played extremely well.”
The line, which has gone through brutal cold stretches this year, has been on a tear as the Rangers head into the playoffs.
Zibanejad recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) across the Rangers’ final six games. Kreider tallied seven points (three goals, four assists) in that same six-game stretch. The two longtime linemates and close friends delivered better than a point per game during the home stretch of the regular season.
But for as inseparable as Zibanejad and Kreider have been throughout their Rangers tenures, the third partner on the line has long been a revolving door with mixed results. Roslovic has gotten the majority of time there since he arrived to the team, but he was notably a healthy scratch, and really, benched, during the team’s 5-2 win over the Canadiens on April 7 after a rough string of performances.
That’s why Roslovic’s goal on Monday is so encouraging for the line as a whole.
It was his first goal since April 1, and his first point since April 3 — both before his benching. Roslovic said after he was scratched that it provided him “motivation,” and now, he finally found the back of the net again.
“It feels good,” Roslovic said on Monday. “Any way I can help contribute. … It’s just a special time to be helping again.”
With Roslovic back on the scoresheet and Zibanejad and Kreider rolling, it’s the best the line has played in months.
The Rangers’ second line of Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck has carried the team all season. But now the first line has again begun to pull its own weight.
“We got way better
the end of the regular season went on,” Roslovic said. “I think we started off well, then hit a little lull, and I think we’re ramping up at the right time.”
Besides Roslovic, Kaapo Kakko, Blake Wheeler, Jonny Brodzinski, Will Cuylle and Jimmy Vesey have all featured on the first line next to Zibanejad and Kreider.
At this point, it seems likely Roslovic will keep his spot and begin the postseason there. How that line performs could be one of the Rangers’ biggest X factors.
Capable of brilliance, but too often too quiet, the Rangers’ first line will be one of the biggest areas to watch once the playoffs get underway.
“It’s been great,” Roslovic said about his adjustment to his new team and linemates. “They’re very open and welcoming. It’s just keeping your ears open and trying to fit your way in.”