When the New York Rangers traded for Andrew Copp at the NHL’s March 21 trade deadline, I expected the versatile forward to make an impact.
Turns out, it was the best deal of the day. Since coming to Broadway, Copp has 18 points in 15 games. He’s scored eight goals, two of which are game-winners.
The most impressive statistic in my eyes? Sixteen of those 18 points have come during even-strength play – a testament to the chemistry Copp has formed with linemate Artemi Panarin. The Rangers have scored 18 times with the duo on the ice together and allowed just four against.
When Copp was a member of the Winnipeg Jets, I always thought of him as a dynamic two-way player capable of moving up and down the lineup. He could give quality minutes on the power play and be effective on the penalty kill.
But what sets Copp apart is his skating. It’s a skill that’s always in demand. When Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant paired Copp with Panarin, I knew his feet would be able to keep up. But what I didn’t know was whether Copp’s hands and game sense could keep pace.
Those questions have been answered. Copp has been a perfect fit. And it all came together Thursday night against the New York Islanders when Copp scored a natural hat trick – three goals in a row – during the first period.
First goal
There are several things to admire about Copp’s first goal, starting with Artemi Panarin’s pass through the triangle of Islanders defender Noah Dobson. By going to his backhand, Panarin creates a passing lane that previously wasn’t available. It takes a ton of confidence to filter the puck between Dobson’s stick and skates.
The pass is right in Copp’s wheelhouse. And here’s the key to the goal: Copp doesn’t catch the pass. He one-times it past Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov.
I know it seems like a simple – even logical – decision by Copp. But with all the open ice available ahead of him, I think a lot of players would have tried to attack the net with the puck.
Instead, Copp fires a quick shot before Varlamov has time to get set. The goalie’s eyes and feet are still in motion as the puck travels past him.
Second goal
Four minutes later, Panarin and Copp connect once again. It’s a simple-looking goal. But Panarin’s pass is deceptive: his stick blade starts the play closed, which fools Islanders forward Zach Parise into thinking a shot is coming.
Instead, Panarin opens his wrists and sends a pass to Copp, who’s standing all alone on the far side of the net. And just like his first goal of the night, Copp gets rid of the puck quickly. Once he receives the pass from Panarin, Copp doesn’t stickhandle or try to settle the puck. He releases it as quickly as possible, beating Varlamov short-side.
Third goal
Copp’s third goal of the night comes in transition – the result of a confident pass from Rangers linemate Ryan Strome. It’s a give-and-go play: Copp gets the puck just inside the blueline and keeps his feet pointed toward the net.
But what’s interesting is Copp’s route: instead of driving middle ice, he peels off for the backdoor. And there’s a reason why: two Islanders players are protecting the slot. Copp knows that he likely would not be able to split the defense and get a shot off.
So at the last second, Copp alters his path. He goes to the far post and presents his stick blade as a target for Strome.
I was really impressed that Copp was able to get the puck on net given how far he had to reach around Dobson. Copp had to be strong on his stick. And there wasn’t much angle to work with.
It was a historic night. Copp’s first-period natural hat trick was only the third in Rangers franchise history. Panarin had four helpers and set a Rangers season record for assists by a forward as his 74 eclipsed the previous record of 72 set by Wayne Gretzky during the 1996-97 season. And the Rangers secured home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The only drawback is that Copp left the game late in the third period with a lower-body injury. According to Gallant, Copp is day-to-day and not expected to play in Saturday’s game.
Trades made at the deadline always carry a risk for NHL general managers, especially for a pending unrestricted free agent like Copp. Giving up assets for a rental is a hard pill to swallow. But Rangers GM Chris Drury appears to have hit a home run with Copp.
Before the trade deadline, I thought the Rangers were a good team capable of making some noise in the playoffs. But now, I think they are a legitimate threat to win the Stanley Cup. And Andrew Copp is a big reason why.
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