Round Two Preview: Forwards
Rangers
Leading the way offensively for the Rangers this season was Artemi Panarin, one of the top point producers in the NHL this season with 49 goals, 71 assists and 120 total points. The Rangers offense is very top heavy and relies on a small core of players to provide almost all the offensive output for the team. The Rangers top six scorers during the regular season provided 62% of the total goals scored . There is a big drop off in production once you get into the bottom half of the Rangers’ lineup. While the Rangers are lacking in scoring ability throughout their lineup, their heavy hitters are extremely dangerous.
The Rangers key forwards include:
1. Artemi Panarin
A star and one of the best players in the NHL this season
2. Mika Zibanejad
Had a down year this year by his standards but has raised his game in the playoffs
3. Vincent Trocheck
Former ‘Canes center. Having one of his best offensive seasons
4. Alexis Lafreniere
The former number-one overall pick is finally coming into his own; emerging as a solid offensive threat
5. Chris Kreider
Dangerous around the net and on the powerplay. Former 50-goal scorer
I believe the major key for the Hurricanes in order to defeat the Rangers will be shutting down Mikka Zibanejad; arguably the Rangers’ best offensive player during round one.
Hurricanes
For the ‘Canes, we see a more balanced scoring approach. Overall, they have more 40-point players than the Rangers (8-6) and more double-digit goal-scorers in the regular season (13-9). Leading the way offensively for the Hurricanes is star center Sebastian Aho. Aho produced the best offensive season of his career with 36 goals, 53 assists, and 89 points (Something to note, Panarin scored far more goals, but he also took nearly 100 more shots than Aho during the regular season). Compared to the Rangers, the ‘Canes top 6 scoring leaders account for 47% of their offensive output. Also offensively, the Hurricanes had a breakout season from young forward Seth Jarvis. Combining his hardworking play with his natural skill, Jarvis produced his first-ever 30-goal season and was the best offensive player for the Hurricanes against the Islanders in round one. The Hurricanes’ offensive style is aggressive and relentless. The ‘Canes players play with high speed and skill, creating shot opportunities and scoring chances throughout each game.
Key Hurricanes Forwards:
6. Sebastian Aho
Best offensive player. Able to drive the play, score goals, and find open teammates.
7. Andrei Svechnikov
Lethal shot and a great skater. Not afraid to throw the body around. Almost a point per game this season after returning from his ACL injury
8. Martin Necas
The most skilled Hurricanes player according to Seth Jarvis in his recent Spittin’ Chiclets interview. Creative player and one of the fastest skaters in the world.
9. Seth Jarvis
Incredible breakout year for the young forward. He plays hard and has a style that is suited for the playoffs.
10. Jake Guentzel
Trade deadline pickup fit in immediately with his new team. Has great chemistry with Aho and has been over a point per game since arriving in Raleigh
11. Teuvo Teravainen
Creative offensive player with a lethal shot. Sometimes passes the puck when he should shoot.
12. Evgeny Kuznetsov
Elite level playmaker. Proven playoff performer but is not the most hard-working player in the defensive zone