New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere. Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers to make Alexis Lafrenière healthy scratch vs. Lightning

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Mike Gould | Last updated 12/29/22

The New York Rangers will not dress forward Alexis Lafrenière for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Thursday, head coach Gerard Gallant told reporters.

Lafrenière, 21, has five goals and 17 points in 36 games with the Rangers this season. The Rangers originally selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Sammy Blais will draw into the Rangers’ lineup in Lafrenière’s place against the Lightning on Thursday. The two rotated on the Rangers’ fourth line with Jonny Brodzinski and Jimmy Vesey at practice on Wednesday and at Thursday’s morning skate.

Lines at the #NYR morning skate are what they were at yesterday’s practice:
20-93-24
10-16-21
74-72-12
91-13-76-26
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) December 29, 2022

The Rangers currently sit in fifth place in the NHL’s Metropolitan Division with a 19–12–5 record and 43 points through 36 games. They currently occupy the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Lafrenière made the jump to the NHL with the Rangers immediately after being drafted in 2020 but has been unable to replicate his astounding offensive production from his time in the QMJHL. He hasn’t scored a goal since Dec. 7 against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.

Through his first 171 games with the Rangers over parts of three regular seasons, Lafrenière has 36 goals and 69 points. He added two goals and nine points in 20 games during the Rangers’ run to the Eastern Conference Final earlier this year.

The Rangers and Lightning will take to the ice for a rematch of their 2022 Eastern Conference Final series at Amalie Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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