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New York Rangers: All hail the new King, other takeaways

By Andrew Steele-Davis

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 09: Gregg McKegg #14 of the New York Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period against Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 9, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 09: Gregg McKegg #14 of the New York Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period against Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 9, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 09: Kaapo Kakko #24 and Filip Chytil #72 of the New York Rangers celebrate after a goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 9, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 09: Kaapo Kakko #24 and Filip Chytil #72 of the New York Rangers celebrate after a goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 9, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Kakko and Chytil showing promise

Albeit a very small sample size, the chemistry being forged between Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko looks promising.

The two were put together on the third line, along with Phil Di Giuseppe, and the trio had a strong night against the LA Kings.

Chytil, who now looks fully comfortable in the NHL, and Kakko in particular meshed incredibly well together with the duo combining for three points.

Chytil produced arguably the pass of the game to feed Kakko in the third period, sending a backhanded, no-look dish to the slot area following some good work along the board by Di Giuseppe, with Kakko burying the puck past Jonathan Quick.

It was a big moment for Kakko who hadn’t lit the lamp since doing so against the Calgary Flames on Jan. 2, and it was another important step in the rookie’s maturation process.

The forward has been starting to settle into a groove as of late and this was another significant step in the right direction.

Kakko is getting to the net on a more consistent basis and he’s underlying his game with that ruthless streak that all good to elite players boast at their disposal.

And, if Kakko and Chytil continue to click well together, then the Rangers could have the makings of a dynamic line for years to come.

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