Gallant was right to switch up lines in the 3rd. The Rangers really need to find a second line that gets chances in the offensive end. The guy I am really looking at right now is Panarin. It sounds crazy to say it but the Ranger need to find a way to unlock Artemi Panarin. They need to do this without putting him with Z and Kreider. Both Z and Kreider are being covered like a glove by the 'Canes. The Rangers need to find a way to make that not so profitable. 5v5 scoring potential: Kreider, Zibanejad, Lafreniere, Panarin, Copp, Strome. How do the Rangers mesh these guys into 3 lines? Gallant has been using Vatrano on line 1. He's been using Strome, Panarin and Copp on line 2. Line 3 is Chytil, Lafreniere and Motte? That's just not going to create enough scoring chances against a great defensive team. Carolina locks down line 1 with their best defensive line. They get a clear advantage with Aho and company against line 2. They have the Trochek line out against our 3rd line. It's just a qualitative difference in terms of scoring opportunity in favor of the 'Canes. Somehow Gallant has to make the Rangers stand up well with three Carolina lines in terms of scoring opportunities.
The problem is we're in the tournament right now and there's no margin for error. Kakko hasn't been able to play well yet for more than a few games at a time and he definitely misses big opportunities. I don't know what the answer is. I'd really like to see Panarin and Lafreniere on the same line but I don't know if Gallant can make that work.
the players needa make plays. when the players you HAVE dont create enough scoring chances, that means the players arent good enough to do that against the opponents they face. they they needa BECOME better, or we need other players who ARE better. for 2 really high lottery choices, Laf and Kaako are MEH
I don’t know what more you could possibly ask of LaFreniere. He has been the most consistently good player on the Rangers throughout the playoffs.
