Vincent Trocheck Looks to Spark New York Rangers

The New York Rangers offence has been up and down all season. Losing centre Vincent Trocheck to an upper-body injury was just the beginning of the Rangers troubles, and most likely the cause of it. Trocheck has now made his return, giving the Rangers some much-needed, new life to their offence. The question is, will it be enough to get the Rangers back in the Stanley Cup playoff hunt?

Trocheck’s Return to the Rangers Lineup

Trocheck played his first game since coming back against the Nashville Predators, a game the Rangers won 6-3. It was the most goals the team had scored since their 6-5 home overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Rangers then put up seven more goals to win against Tampa Bay. Trocheck scored two goals that game, as did William Cuylle. It was no coincidence, Artemi Panarin had his best game of the season, scoring four points. After that, New York beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in a shootout to win three games in a row. However, they have now lost four straight. It is wonder if anything will go right for New York.

What has Changed?

Now that Trocheck is back, the Rangers can play their lines the way they did last season. Trocheck has been the primary centre for Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière, and New York had a tough time getting a replacement for him while he was hurt. They tried some different combinations, even putting Panarin with J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad, but it wasn’t gelling quite like the Rangers needed. With Trocheck back, the Rangers best five-on-five line is back on the ice to control the pace of play.

Trocheck has made a return to the top line power play, replacing William Cuylle who took his place while hurt. The Rangers power play will be happy to have him back, giving them someone who can battle for pucks on the boards. Trocheck has given Panarin and Lafrenière some grit at centre, which didn’t happen much with Trocheck out. Either way, the Rangers offence has found new life, and Trocheck has been a big part of that. Only playing in nine games so far, Trocheck has seven points, a decent pace, but one that he should be able to keep up. The important part is getting Panarin his number one man back.

Watch Out for the Breadman

With Trocheck back, Panarin gets the centreman he needs to open up his offence. Trocheck plays a gritty, annoying style of play that allows Panarin to get the space he needs to be effective. Trocheck will fight the corner and puck battles while Panarin waits for the puck to come to him. Once it does, the Breadman can put his creativity, puck handling and accurate shot to use.