Rangers’ fourth line quietly emerging as team’s most effective unit

The New York Rangers' 2025-26 National Hockey League season is just four games old, and there's an interesting stat worth pointing out that may surprise you. Thus far, the trio of Adam Edstrom, Sam Carrick, and Matt Rempe has been the Blueshirts' most efficient line at 5v5. It also has played more than any other unit on the team to date. This is something that will undoubtedly change sometime soon, but while this remains true, it is something worth talking about.

Rangers fourth line is playing with heart and setting the tone

Adam Fox leads the team in points with 4, but just behind him is Sam Carick with three points, Adam Edstrom with two points, and a little further down the list is Matt Rempe who has a goal to his name. The trio has logged 32 minutes at 5v5, and during those minutes they have posted a 100 GF%, a 59.91 CF%, and a 67.39 xGF%. That last number is comprised by generating 4.04 xGF per 60 minutes, and surrendering 1.96 xGA per 60 minutes. The important thing here is that this is a super small sample, and the opponents have been on the weak side. But the larger story here is that the fourth line is executing the game plan that Mike Sullivan is drawing up, and they haven't been a liability yet.

Every player is pulling their own weight

Each player of this line has solid individual results, so this isn't a case of one player carrying the line. Carrick's slash line includes a 100 GF%, a 56.28 CF%, and a 72.99 xGF.% per Evolving-Hockey. Edstrom is right behind him with a 100 GF%, a 58.66 CF%, and a 70.22 xGF%. Last, and certainly not least, is the "Rempire State Building" with a 100 GF%, a 61.15 CF%, and a 67.85 xGF%. The most impressive Rempe stat is that he's yet to take a penalty, and that was something that derailed him last season. The 6'9" behemoth spent the summer trying to improve his skating and other hockey skills, and so far so good.

Edstrom is someone who had his 2024-25 season derailed by injuries, and when he was on the ice he looked like a much more polished version of Rempe. He's an intimidating presence, and also has some decent hockey skills that allow him to contribute. Carrick is coming off his best season as a pro player, and defensively he's looked more put together than last season. He's also finding ways to contribute a bit more offensively, and his linemates are making the most of the opportunities given to him.

Rangers know what is working, and are in better position to adjust when adversity strikes

The early success of the fourth line can be attributed to playing a simple game, skating hard on the forecheck, and forcing the opposition to act quickly. Rempe and Edstrom are a pair of big boys, and clearly no one wants to get pancaked. Both players look a little quicker to start the season, and that's been a positive development.

Most grinders with size aren't the greatest of skaters, and they can be neutralized by shifty skill players. Rempe's top speed so far has been 22.06 miles per hour per NHL Edge, and that puts him in the 84th percentile of players. He's in the 96th percentile of speed bursts between 18 and 20 miles per hour, the 82nd percentile of speed bursts between 20 and 22 miles per hour, and the 83rd percentile of speed bursts above 22 miles per hour.

Edstrom's top speed to date has been 22.58 miles per hour, and that puts him in the 95th percentile of skaters. He is in the 91st percentile of speed bursts between 18 and 20 miles per hour, the 88th percentile of speed bursts between 20 and 22 miles per hour, and the 83rd percentile of speed bursts above 22 miles per hour.

It would be very unusual for the Rangers' fourth line to post these type of numbers for the rest of the season. If that happens, it would be one of the most unexpected developments in recent memory. While some regression is bound to happen, the trio is in a good position to rebound in the event things go sideways. For now fans should enjoy the ride, because it's been a while since the Blueshirts have had a fourth line like this.