The Rangers’ line of Alexis Lafreniere, Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin has been one of many league’s most complete forces collectively this season.
This line has anchored them with sturdy five-on-five zone entry, laborious puck strain and well timed objectives at a constant price since its inception. It was additionally the catalyst to the 2-1, Recreation 2, time beyond regulation victory towards Florida on Friday.
After an unlucky sequence that led to an personal purpose by Lafreniere in Recreation 1, the 22-year-old former first-overall choose responded with the resilience of a veteran. Lafreniere laid a success on Carter Verhaeghe that arrange the Rangers’ first rating of the collection within the opening minutes.
You might say Lafreniere is considerably of the unsung hero of the trio that logged extra ice time collectively than every other line within the NHL this season. Complementing the acumens of Panarin and Trocheck is a tall order, and Lafreniere has not solely blossomed offensively along with his first 20-plus purpose season, he has turn out to be a dependable two-way ahead as effectively.
After a five-game level streak, Lafreniere has gone dry on the stat sheet, however he’s tied for fourth with Chris Kreider in playoff factors at 10. The appears to be like are there for him, as he’s netting a 13.3 p.c taking pictures price on 2.5 pictures on purpose per sport. He’s additionally ranked third in a balanced Rangers lineup in anticipated objectives with 3.7.
Betting on the NHL?
Florida’s violent play got here again to fruition in Recreation 2. The belligerent tone of play is simply certain to proceed, which additionally affords potential for Lafreniere on the second power-play unit. He’s scored three factors with the man-advantage all through the postseason.
In a good, pain-staking and cussed collection, it’s powerful to focus on any worth in participant props. However Lafreniere’s supporting position in crucial moments leaves him as an encouraging play.
The play: Alexis Lafreniere Over 0.5 Factors (+105 BetMGM)
