Blue Line Station
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Storylines going into preseason opener against Devils

By Andrew Steele-Davis

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: The the New York Rangers celebrate a win over the the St. Louis Blues during Day-5 of the NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre Ice Arena on September 10, 2019 in Traverse City, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: The the New York Rangers celebrate a win over the the St. Louis Blues during Day-5 of the NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre Ice Arena on September 10, 2019 in Traverse City, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 27: Artemi Panarin #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts after scoring in the second period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 27: Artemi Panarin #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts after scoring in the second period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2. Will we see the AMP line?

The AMP line. The PZB line. The deadly trio. The legion of terror. Call it whatever you want but there is no denying that the top line of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich has all the hallmarks to be an explosive one.

Rangers Head Coach David Quinn has wasted no time in anointing his top line and, judging by pictures on the franchise’s official Twitter account, the three are well on their way to forming vital chemistry and it has the potential to be one of the most dynamic top lines in the NHL.

We know what to expect from Panarin given that he is a transformative talent who has established himself as an elite star in the NHL, recording 87 points (28 goals, 59 assists) in 79 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets last year, while he hasn’t dipped below 74 points since entering the NHL in 2015.

Plus, Panarin has the ability to elevate the play of those around him and that will benefit Zibanejad who is coming off a career-year for the Rangers having tallied 30 goals and 44 assists for 74 points in 82 games, including 23 points on the power play.

Panarin should also help to unlock the full potential of Buchnevich and help his fellow countryman find the consistency that he has sorely lacked in his career so far. Expectations are high for Buchnevich after he exploded in the latter stages of 2018-19 and playing with an elite playmaker in Panarin will only aid his development.

All in all, if this experiment works then the Rangers will boast a formidable top line that will significantly bolster their offense and have the power to eventually fire them towards the promised land of the postseason.

And they will be a hell of a lot of fun to watch so you can’t blame us for keeping everything crossed that we are treated to a first glimpse of the Blueshirts’ new look top line on Wednesday night. it would be a good time to roll them out and allow them to get some reps in together in a competitive environment, while it will certainly give the fans something to cheer for.

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