Rangers’ third line is a chemistry worth exploring

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is about the oldest cliche in the book, and it’s exactly what applies to the New York Rangers third line right now.

In the last couple of games, this trio of youngsters in Alexis Lafrenière, Filip Chytil and Julien Gauthier may have found a rhythm. They’re clicking by complementing each other’s unique strengths and outworking the opposition each shift.

There is nothing on the ice that warrants dramatic reactions from Lafrenière. If you’re forging an evaluation from the stat line, I’d suggest a closer look. He positions himself to score, which is all that can be asked—it takes patience to watch him flourish offensively. Right now, it’s the fine details that are important and he’s executing them.

It is night and day as opposed to six months ago in terms of the former first overall pick’s physical game. He’s finishing checks, forechecking in the corners and is not afraid to battle around the net. Most notably, it’s his play away from the puck that has been reassuring on this line. There were times this season where he seemed abandoned on the ice, but his confidence has taken a surge.

Speaking of confidence, Chytil is beginning to take ‘what happens to Ryan Strome?’ form. The puck seems to be finding the tape of the 22 -year-old Czech center and generating scoring opportunities are becoming more and more natural. His playmaking abilities are the glue of this line’s compatibility. If Lafrenière can keep buzzing the net—well, when it rains, it pours.

Amongst the three, the most notable spark plug has been Julien Gauthier, who has been nothing short of excellent. The 24-year-old Quebec native has made drastic steps in improving the little dynamics of his game that always held him on a leash since arriving in New York nearly two years ago.

It’s never been a question of potential for Gauthier—as his ability to use his size and speed to create opportunities was always evident. But what was also evident was that the jump to NHL time and space was a learning curve for him. What worked at lower levels didn’t fly and his lack of scoring touch became conspicuous.

Gauthier has mentioned he modeled his game after Chris Kreider, but there are some similarities to another Blueshirt—Rick Nash. While Nash wielded a better set of hands, both are identical in using their 6’4’’ frames to corral the puck, drive the net with intensity and create a scoring opportunity. If any game has displayed this resemblance with clarity, it’s Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Toronto, where Gauthier fired nine shot attempts with five reaching the netminder.

If not for how well these three have complemented each other, Gauthier should have a shot on the first line with Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. It would be interesting to see how he and Kreider would fare north-south and what kinds of chances could spawn off the rush.

While some young lines were experimented with last season, this one has been the Rangers’ best line this past week. Gerard Gallant has presented a relaxed approach to honing his players and part of that is not shaking the lines up every other night. So, for now, let’s see how this line can marinate.