"Of all the on ice changes the Rangers must make, getting youth on the powerplay is the most critical. If Alexis Lafreniere is off the ice for a single second of first-unit power-play time after the Olympic break, every person in the Rangers organization should be fired. The Rangers must once and for all give Lafreniere every opportunity to prove he is a valuable player."
"This is also a prime opportunity to give Gabe Perreault reps on the first unit. Adam Fox will eventually come back, so having Lafreniere and Perreault receiving passes from the all-world defenseman can greatly help their confidence. Playing the kids in all situations is one of the most critical on ice changes the Rangers must make to be even remotely successful in the future."
New York Rangers are effectively out of playoff contention and must use the remainder of the season to evaluate and develop young players. Alexis Lafrenière should receive consistent first-unit power-play minutes to determine his long-term value. Gabe Perreault should get first-unit reps alongside Lafrenière, benefiting from passes when Adam Fox returns. Playing prospects in all situations will accelerate development and inform rebuilding decisions. Jonathan Quick's prolonged struggles justify promoting Dylan Garand for NHL experience rather than relying solely on veteran backups. Giving Garand reps also reduces pressure to rush Igor Shesterkin back from injury.
Read at Blue Seat Blogs
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]