For several weeks, Rangers fans have had to go through lineup after lineup of different combinations to try and look for something that works. Alain Vigneault has had quite the second year as New York Rangers head coach. Having to deal with injuries has made the coach’s job that much more challenging, having to constantly shuffle players in and out.
But, it appears the forwards are healthy and available to be used in anyway possible. The problem is, it feels like there is always tinkering when it comes to the lineup. I’m not a coach or player of the game. But if I had my way, these are my lines I’d try out:
First Line: Rick Nash–Derick Brassard–Martin St. Louis
This is a good starting point for the scoring lines. All three players lead the team in points. Combined they have 48 points ( 25 goals, 23 assists). Unfortunately, the line is a -10. Only Nash has a positive rating of 2. However, if Vigneault keeps this line in tact, we could see good things. What Nash was missing was a bonafide playmaker. Someone who would give him the puck and have scoring chances. He has two now with Brassard and St. Louis.
Second Line: Anthony Duclair–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
This would be an experimental line that I’d like to see on the ice. Stepan, who we thought would be the team’s top center, seems to have found a partner in Zuccarello. Though last year, Zuccarello was paired with Brassard and former Ranger Benoit Pouliot exclusively. This season, the team has had t deal with injuries which has caused shuffling and breaking up that line. But perhaps, there is some good that can happen. Again, playmaking ability is present on this line. Stepan and Zuccarello appear to be pass-happy while you have a potential scorer in Duclair. When he played in the QMJHL, he was used as a top six forward. His scoring ability lit the league up. Now, he has a chance to do the same in the NHL if only he had that chance. He’s been relegated to third line duties and has been a healthy scratch for three games till Monday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Why keep him here if he is not being used to his full potential? Why not put him on the second line and see what he can do with playmakers Stepan and Zuccarello?
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Third Line: Chris Kreider–Kevin Hayes–Lee Stempniak
This could be a lethal line. You have three tough hombres who can score. Kreider seems to be suited as rough rider with a scoring touch. Why not team him up with his former Boston College teammate Hayes and let them relive the college years. They could reproduce some of that magic, since they have that bond. With Stempniak on the right wing, he’s no slouch either. Both he and Kreider have four goals and are ranked fourth and fifth on the team in scoring. All three are a combined +9. Why not put them together?
Fourth Line: Carl Hagelin–Dominic Moore–Jesper Fast
I am the most curious if this ever formed. You have two players that already play together on the penalty kill and another that is considered a stabilizing figure to the fourth line. The fourth line is not like it was last year. Except for Moore, all the players that made up that line are gone. It has to be redefined. Consider Hagelin on this line. He would be able to use his speed and take advantage of a mismatch from the other team’s lines. Go against the grain. Surprise teams by adding speed. Moore is an undervalued forward who can be taken for granted if teams aren’t careful. With Fast, he’s young and has a scoring ability.
The main factor would be to keep these lines in tact. Allow the players to form some cohesion. It’s still early in the season, why not?
Tell us what your ideal lines would be if you were head coach.