The New York Rangers recently lost their most recent contest against the Detroit Red Wings, 2-1. Now, with their eyes set on a three-game Western Conference road trip against top-tier competition, that loss needs to be in the clear rear view.
In terms of players who are feeling the pressure to perform for this road trip, there are three who come to mind. Spoiler alert, after Jonathan Quick put on a masterclass in the net against a lethal Red Wings offense, the three players are going to all be forwards who need to make sure they score in these next three games.
Let's talk about it.
The three forwards
There are three forwards that have to step up on this road trip. The season is flying along as we reach the 21st game, meaning the pressure is mounting for these players to succeed.
The first forward is Alexis Lafrenière, as this season needs to be a breakout for him. Through 20 games, he has four goals and eight assists for 12 points, giving him a pace of 49 points on the season. That is just not going to cut it for a player that was just extended for an AAV of $7.45 million. Let's kick it up a notch there, No. 13.
Behind Lafrenière is Artemi Panarin. Yes, the Breadman has done his part this season with 18 points in 20 games, but he has to keep it going. The Rangers do not win hockey games if he is not involved. Aside from goaltender Igor Shesterkin, there is no other player on the ice who can change the trajectory of a game more than Panarin.
Lastly, there needs to be more shown from Will Cuylle. He has been great as of late, but much like Panarin, he has to stay great. Over the past five games, he has been a steady contributor with three goals and an assist, but it has not been enough to help the Blueshirts win. Can Cuylle break out on this road trip, as he has been a much better player on the road this season? The Rangers and their fans will hope to see it when things get started this evening against the Vegas Golden Knights.