Rangers’ Filip Chytil takes big step toward return ahead of Game 1 vs Panthers

The New York Rangers are back at practice preparing for the upcoming Eastern Conference Final matchup against the Florida Panthers, and as of right now, all signs point to Filip Chytil taking the ice on Wednesday in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, according to Vince Mercogliano of USA Today.

Filip Chytil has played in one game so far in the playoffs for the Rangers, and that was in the 3-2 overtime win in Game 3 over the Carolina Hurricanes. After that, Chytil caught an illness that kept him out for the rest of the series. Knowing that Chytil has been out for the majority of the season due to a head injury that at one point was thought to be season-ending, it makes sense that the Rangers are being cautious. It seems like Chytil is begging to play, and the practice lines indicate he might be on track to be in the lineup for Game 1.

In Monday’s practice, Chytil was in the third-line left-wing position next to Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko. Blake Wheeler, Jonny Brodzinski and Matt Rempe were among the extras staying late after practice, and Chytil came off with the regulars, according to Mercogliano. That seems to be a positive for Chytil’s chances at suiting up.

Filip Chytil’s importance to the Rangers

Given the strength of the Panthers’ lineup, adding a forward with the ability that Chytil has could be a difference maker in this series.

In these playoffs, the Rangers’ top two lines and the power play have done the heavy-lifting. New York’s power play that includes Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider is a huge key in these playoffs, and will continue to be so as far as the team goes.

The top line of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Jack Roslovic is important, as well as the second line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere. The second line has been the Rangers’ most effective line all season when looking at five-on-five play. Still, the top two lines might be negated by the talent of the Panthers’ top two lines. Those matchups could become a wash for most of the series, and the third lines might be what swings the series in one team’s favor.

This is where Chytil’s importance comes in. The Rangers’ third line has thrived analytically when it comes to controlling play, but has not put the puck in the net. Chytil has performed well in the playoffs before, specifically going back to the 2022 run to the Eastern Conference Final. Adding his finishing touch to the line with Wennberg and Kakko could be the boost that New York needs.

In Game 3 against the Hurricanes, Chytil looked very good and nearly scored. It will be interesting to see how he looks if he does play on Wednesday in Game 1.