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Rangers report cards: Grading New York’s Centers

ByMarvin Azrak|
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 18: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers during warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 18: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers during warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 24: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the New Jersey Devils in Game Four of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 24, 2023 in New York, New York. The Devils defeated the Rangers 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 24: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the New Jersey Devils in Game Four of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 24, 2023 in New York, New York. The Devils defeated the Rangers 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Rangers report cards: Vincent Trocheck: B(A-

Trocheck’s debut season on Broadway was a success. He bolstered the inconsistent second line as the critical free-agent signing for the Rangers during the summer. The Rangers’ previous second-line center Ryan Strome faced challenges and only performed well when paired with Artemi Panarin. The Rangers were eager to develop a productive second line, and Trocheck stepped up as the middle man, meeting expectations.

His 22 goals and 64 points placed him fourth on the team’s roster for both points and goals. Trocheck’s contributions meant that the Rangers could secure victories even when the opposing team’s first line was present, or the team was not performing at its best. He used his tenacity to get under opponents’ skin and proved immensely valuable in the playoffs.

During the postseason, Trocheck showcased his fiery spirit, and a standout moment occurred in game four. His game-tying goal in the third period injected life into a seemingly subdued Madison Square Garden.

That pivotal goal encapsulated Trocheck’s essence as a player. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the Rangers succumbed to a 3- 1 loss, leveling the series at two games apiece.

Looking at the bigger picture, his first year as part of the massive seven-year, $ 39.38 million deal was undeniably a success. The Rangers made a smart move by signing him, and he proved an asset to the team as he moves into his 30s.

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