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The New York Rangers are on the verge of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. They could have swept the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 but fell. It was their first loss of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, having swept the Washington Capitals in round one. A major reason for this success is forward Alexis Lafreniere.
Years ago, Rangers fans would have expected this. The Quebec native entered the NHL as the first overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. Lafreniere was seen as a generational talent coming out of the QMJHL. The expectation was that he would lead New York as a core part of their roster.
However, things have turned out a bit differently. Instead, Lafreniere struggled early in his career. His rookie season saw him play 56 games while scoring 12 goals and just 21 points. The former Rimouski Oceanic star went on to record two 30+ point seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23. But it wasn’t until this season that he truly broke out, scoring 28 goals and 57 points.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Quebec native has turned it up a notch. Especially in this second-round series against the Hurricanes. He has four goals and 10 points in just eight games so far. And he has received rave reviews from his coach and teammates alike.
“I thought he could have had four or five goals last night,” New York coach Peter Laviolette said Sunday, via NHL.com. “He put himself in situations to get to areas where he could make a difference in the game, but he’s done that through the course of the year. He’s done it with his linemates and there’s been that elevation, but now it’s the playoffs. We’re playing one of the better teams in the League and he’s still able to find those opportunities.”
Rangers teammates acknowledge Alexis Lafreniere
Defenseman K’Andre Miller had high praise for Lafreniere on Sunday, as well. The Rangers rearguard believes this journey has made for an interesting story. And he acknowledged the pressure the 22-year-old forward must have dealt with early in his career. Now, New York is seeing glimpses of what they envisioned back in 2020.
“He’s done great. It’s hard to talk trash about him. He’s been doing great. There’s a number of things that he’s been doing right that have been able to push us to wins and push us offensively. He’s been doing a really good job,” Miller said of his teammate, via NHL.com.
Chris Kreider also acknowledged his younger teammate. “The way he shows up at the rink. The way he works at his craft. He just wants to get better, wants to have an impact, wants to win. Unbelievable player,” the Rangers star said, via NHL.com.
Lafreniere didn’t score his first goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs until Game 2 against Carolina. He scored twice in that game to help New York win in double overtime. In Game 3, the former first-overall pick gave his team the lead in the third period. They eventually went on to win in overtime.
Game 4 did not go New York’s way, as Carolina staved off elimination. But Alexis Lafreniere came up big once again. He scored a game-tying goal early in the third period on Saturday. Unfortunately for him, Carolina scored a late winner to avoid a third straight overtime game and avoid the sweep.
The key to success
The transition from junior hockey to the NHL is a rough one. We see cases of players like Connor Bedard adapting quickly and making an immediate impact. But for Lafreniere and players like Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky, it takes a bit more time to catch up to the speed of the game.
And in Lafreniere’s mind, that’s what it comes down to. More than just skating as quick as other players, there’s a mental side to it too. The 22-year-old is thinking as fast as he is playing. And that has been a tremendous help, especially in recent weeks.
“My skating got a little better and it’s more so I think just trying to get used to the pace of the game,” Lafreniere said, via NHL.com. “If you think faster, you’re going to move a little faster. The game is so fast right now you have to be able to move well.”
Alexis Lafreniere can help his team advance to the Eastern Conference Final once again on Monday night. Game 5 of this second-round series is back in New York, so the fans will be loud for him and his teammates. Let’s see if the former first-overall pick can eliminate the Hurricanes in Game 5.
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