Rangers second-line 5v5 ability is the key to advancing further into the playoffs

One major problem the Blueshirts encountered throughout the regular season was a lack of even-strength production in the offensive zone. Some of the stars like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad seemingly vanished from the scoresheet, leaving a significant decrease in scoring and a strong necessity for the power play to carry. While that issue seemed to affect most of the roster, there was still one unit that was able to find success all year long.

Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere, all members of the Rangers’ second line, are the top three players at even strength point scoring throughout the regular season and the playoffs so far. Panarin leads the team with 76 even strength points, which is over half of his 120 regular season point total. Trocheck is second on the roster with 54, and Lafreniere close behind at third with 52. The second line has been elite when it comes to even-strength production, and that must continue moving forward.

The second line’s success will play a major role in determining the winner of the Rangers-Hurricanes matchup

The Rangers’ special teams were incredible in the regular season, as they finished third overall in both power play and penalty kill percentages. It might seem hard to find a team that was statistically better than them, but the Hurricanes managed to beat the Blueshirts in both categories. Carolina’s power play finished second, and the penalty kill first.

It will be difficult to maintain consistent special teams success against a team like the Canes, making even strength production a major key in advancing further into the postseason. If Panarin, Trocheck, and Lafreniere can continue scoring at the rate they’ve been at against Carolina, it will make this upcoming series lean much closer in the Rangers’ favor.