3 Takeaways from Game 1 loss to Carolina

2. Kakko 2.0.

We here at Blue Line Station have covered Kaapo Kakko‘s mixed rookie year in the National Hockey League, so we don’t need to go over it again.

But a lot was made of what we should expect from Kakko in the buildup to the NHL’s restart, and whether the forward could make a significant impact during the postseason.

Well, although a small sample size, Kakko certainly showed signs during Game 1 that he benefitted more than most from the long layoff.

Playing on a line with Filip Chytil and Phil Di Giuseppe, Kakko was dynamic and was easily one of the best players on the ice for the Blueshirts.

Combining speed, power and skill, the winger tried his best to make things happen for the Rangers and he appeared to be playing with a lot more confidence and a real swagger compared to pre-hiatus Kakko.

And, although he was held without a point, Kakko showed enough in 15:21 of total ice time, including time on the power play, that he could be key to getting the Rangers back on track in this series.

He recorded five shots on goal and I get the sense that if Kakko can light the lamp in Game 2, then a monster may just be unleashed on the Hurricanes.

Former NBA player Kenny Smith said something interesting on The Michael Kay Show last month in that rookies in the NBA are now effectively playing in their second year in the league because of having a long layoff to reflect on their rookie year.

The same can be applied to Kaapo Kakko and the New York Rangers will only stand to benefit if the Finnish phenom has adapted to life in North America.