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New York Rangers’ Miller/Hayes/Zuccarello Line Stepping Up

By Timothy Haggerty

Mar 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Rangers left wing J.T. Miller (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Rangers left wing J.T. Miller (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Rangers have gotten a lot out of their third line. Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello, and JT Miller have worked well together. They have led the offense at times for the Rangers.

The New York Rangers have elevated their game big time in the past week. The Rangers haven’t lost since dropping game three on Easter Sunday at the Garden. That has led them to beating the Canadiens four games to two and moving on to the second round.

The Rangers made a lot of changes after being embarrassed in game three at home. The biggest change was the fluctuating of the lines by head coach Alain Vigneault. The most successful change has been moving Mats Zuccarello to the third line to play with JT Miller and Kevin Hayes.

The tandem has done so many things right. They have given more than their share of offensive production in the past three games. They have been playing great defense on the other end of the ice as well.

Related Story: New York Rangers' Lines and How They Are Performing

Game Six Heroes

The New York Rangers were able to take care of business in game six at home against the Canadiens by winning 3-1. That was not without the help of the third line.

After the first period, the Rangers were down 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alexei Emelin. The Rangers had found themselves in a familiar situation: struggling at home with a chance to close out the series.

The Rangers went to the locker room looking flat. Mats Zuccarello was not about to have that happen.

Zuccarello stepped up in the locker room and challenged his teammates to step up and get the job done. Zuccarello took it upon himself to lead by example in the following period.

He would go on to score the game tying and game winning goal in the second period. The second goal came with the help of Hayes and Miller who both had an assist.

Related Story: Zuccarello Sends the Canadiens Home

Looking Forward

The second round of the playoffs will be a tough one for the New York Rangers. The Ottawa Senators eliminated the Boston Bruins and will have a date with the Rangers in the second round. The Rangers will need all of their forwards to generate offense to back up Henrik Lundqvist in goal.

The Rangers needed a player or a line to step up after game three, and they got it in the third line and Zuccarello. If the Rangers want to go deep in the playoffs, it will be easiest if this line continues to perform.

Last year the Rangers faltered in the first round against the Pittsburgh Penguins. At times they truly looked lifeless. This year’s third line had just four combined points in that series. They have looked much better this year.

Continuing that success will be crucial. It looks like a rematch with the Penguins is a very real possibility if the Rangers are looking to win the Eastern Conference.

Next: New York Rangers Thoughts on a Promising Series Win

Hayes, Miller, and Zuccarello can’t be the only line that produces if the Rangers want to go far. However they are definitely in a position to be the leaders. If they set the right example, everyone could follow their lead and put something very special together.

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