CAPTAIN 'KID'
The Rangers’ so-called “Kid Line” may have gotten its name because the trio has an average age of 21, but the identifier doesn’t hold the same weight anymore for center Filip Chytil.
In his fifth NHL season and with 204 games under his belt, Chytil holds veteran status despite being just 22 years old. His linemates, Alexis Lafreniere and Julien Gauthier, have played 136 games combined.
Chytil acknowledged he has no control over the “Kid Line” nickname, which has caught on over the last two seasons. When asked if he felt obligated to lead his line because of his experience level in comparison to the other two, however, Chytil was adamant that he does.
“Yeah, of course, just try to lead them,” he said after practice Thursday, ahead of the Rangers’ matchup with the Sharks on Friday at Madison Square Garden. “Not with words, but lead them on the ice. Just do the right things and just play my game, because when I play my game we create so many chances. We’re just missing the goals.”
Through nine games, Chytil has logged just 58:22 of ice time on a line with both Lafreniere and Gauthier. When playing together, the trio has two goals, 24 high-danger chances and a 3.83 expected goals rating, according to Natural Stat Trick. Overall, Lafreniere has produced the most of the three, with five goals and an assist, while Chytil and Gauthier have four points each.
Chytil, who has just two goals in 18 games after a brief stint on injured reserve, noted that if he weren’t consistently creating scoring chances, not only would he be “pissed,” but also he probably wouldn’t be playing. There’s no question Chytil, Lafreniere and Gauthier have been generating quality opportunities, but the three are still figuring out how to finish the play.
“It’s the whole season, I don’t know what happened,” Chytil said. “But 18 games, only two goals, so I’d like to have more but it doesn’t work like that. Just coming to the rink, working hard, working on my shooting, working on where I’m shooting, be a little more not focused on scoring goals.
“When I get a chance, just don’t think, just shoot or whatever is there. Just do that and I believe when I score first goal, it’s going to come again and the best is coming.”
The Rangers’ third line has seen the most turnover so far this season. It was only when Ryan Strome contracted COVID-19 and had to miss some time that Chytil was bumped to Strome’s spot on the second unit. Otherwise, Chytil has primarily served as the third-line center throughout his tenure in New York.
Chytil has been roped into his line’s silly nickname because of his age and that of his linemates, though it’s nearing a point at which it can no longer apply to Chytil, who is certainly looking to play more like a veteran.
“I look at them and ‘Kid Line’ is a good line for it,” head coach Gerard Gallant said. “I like kids bringing energy to your team, there’s nothing better. I love seeing those guys out there being young players and playing the way they’re playing. They’re maturing, getting more ice time, more confidence. More confidence from me, but confidence in themselves. That’s what I like, they’re going out there and smiling and having fun.”