For years, the New York Rangers have been unlucky in the draft. They took first place in 1979 and then again in 2020. Alexis Lafreniere was the obvious choice, but for a long time he failed to sell his potential. However, he has turned it up a notch lately and is finally looking like the player who was the number one pick in the draft.
Of course, the most visible is the last game, in which he gave Arizona a hat trick and added two assists. Thanks to this, for the first time in his NHL career, he went over the fifty-point mark.
“I’m working hard and trying to get better every day,” said Lafreniere, who is the first Ranger age 22 or younger since Brian Leetch to score five or more points in a game. “I’m just playing my game and playing with confidence. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
It was in the penultimate sentence that he stumbled upon it. He is no longer afraid and does not look for easy solutions. He plays with great confidence and insight on the ice. In addition, Rangers fans would add that the way his teammates sometimes burn after his passes is unreal. The Canadian has become a great playmaker, but he can also finish well.
Like against Arizona. He rode in renumbering together with Vincent Trocheck. Previously, he would have probably chosen a pass and thereby transferred the responsibility to him, but this time he expertly swept the corner of Vejmelk’s goal.
“He’s an exceptional player,” added goalkeeper Jonathan Quick. “He is a player who decides matches. He makes excellent actions. He works well with Artemij Panarin and Trocheck. He is fun to watch and watch his performances.”
As Quick said, this line has settled. Trocheck is a reliable center with solid productivity, Panarin is also having the year of his life. Also thanks to Lafrenier. “His line is dangerous every game,” coach Peter Laviolette nodded.
So far, he has 74 games, 25 goals and 27 assists. But it is interesting to look at the wider context.
He only helped himself twice with a goal on the power play (which he generally gets little space for). That means he has scored more goals with a balanced number of players on the ice than Elias Pettersson, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl or Sam Reinhart.
It is very similar with assists. That means he has more points in the standard game (46) than Cale Makar, Alex DeBrincat, Roman Josi or Nico Hischier.
The promise is solid. Rangers fans now wish that would carry over into the playoffs.
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Tags: Finally Rangers fans calling Lafreniere collects points driving force team
