Blue Line Station
Fansided

David Quinn and Jeff Gorton provide some insight into the new season

By Steve Paulus

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 25: Head coach David Quinn of the New York Rangers speaks to his players during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 25: Head coach David Quinn of the New York Rangers speaks to his players during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: New York Rangers Right Wing Ryan Strome (16) in action during the National Hockey League game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers on April 5, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: New York Rangers Right Wing Ryan Strome (16) in action during the National Hockey League game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers on April 5, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The second line center

The Strome-Kreider-Kakko line has yet to score this season and Quinn said he felt that Strome improved in the second game, saying “I thought he got better and again, it’s not just one guy it’s all three guys.”

On Monday, he didn’t rule out the possiblity that Lias Andersson or Brett Howden could move up. “I thought both of them had much better nights the second night.  Without question, that’s on the table If their play warrants it they will certainly get that chance.  I was really pleased with  how both of them played on Saturday.”

Tuesday, he elaborated on Andersson:  “Lias played well the other night and it is just two games.  I think he is going to win more ice time. That said, we are comfortable with our lineup, our four lines.  He’s going to kill penalties regularly, he’s done a good job on penalties. It’s probably going to be game to game. We’ve got another young centerman in Howden who’s playing as well.”

Kaapo Kakko‘s slump

That’s a joke folks.  The 18-year old has done fine in his first two games, a sentiment echoed by Jeff Gorton:  ” I think he looks really good. He’s had his opportunities.  He looks strong and confident. ..and he’s looked good with the puck…he’s been good in his own zone.  I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Quinn spoke at length about his young star: “I liked his game the first two games.  One of the things he and I talked about yesterday was don’t put too much pressure on yourself.  It’s two games. Last season Mika went nine games without a goal and  he ended up with 30…goal scoring can be streaky. A lot of guys who are goal scorers have a stretch where they are going in for no other reason than they’re on a hot streak.  There are gonna be times they’re not going in for a reason you really can’t pin down.”  He continued “There are other aspects of his game that he’ s continuing to improve on and it’s a challenge for every 18-year old. They all judge themselves on points and assists, goals. And he’s gonna have to find a way to feel good about his performance when he doesn’t score.”

Quinn returned to the theme of depth scoring: “He wants to score.  I want him to score. We’re a better team when he does.   It’s only been two games so no one is pressing any panic button, not only for him but for our lineup.  We need to be more productive up and down the lineup offensively…there are guys who are capable of doing that.”

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