The anticipated uptick in competition is expected to reveal the true capabilities of the Rangers third line, after the trio operated like a shutdown checking unit in the first round against the Capitals.
The Hurricanes will present a much different matchup challenge, however, one that the Rangers have had to work through before.
Having Will Cuylle, Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko serve as a line that can grind the puck out below the hash marks, maintain possession in the offensive zone and play a tight defensive game could be key for the Rangers in Round 2.
Such was the case in the first series.
In 30:13 of ice time together, according to Natural Stat Trick, the third line was on the ice for one Rangers goal (from Kakko in Game 4) and zero against, while also holding a 32-22 edge in shot attempts.
They posted a 67.09 expected goals for percentage, in addition to finishing with a 4-3 advantage in high-danger chances.
It was a line that head coach Peter Laviolette clearly felt comfortable throwing out there against any opposing unit.
“They’ve been a good line,” Laviolette said in the middle of Round 1. “Even if the zone time doesn’t amount to anything, you’re still in the right zone — the offensive zone — you have possession and you’re making them play defense.”
Kakko, in particular, should be well-equipped to compete in a series against a Hurricanes team that likes to play a relentless man-to-man defense.
His penchant for holding onto the puck when he can in the offensive zone could help the Rangers counter the pressure Carolina consistently generates.
“We played in the O-zone a lot,” Kakko said. “I feel that’s our game, that’s what we need to do. Get the chances, also, over there, like we did.”
Puck drop for Game 1 of the second-round series against the Hurricanes is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The rest of the schedule is yet to be announced.
The Rangers were off on Friday, but are set to return to practice on Saturday.
