Cardiac Cane
Fansided

Round Two Preview: Forwards

By Erik Fowlie

Carolina Hurricanes v New York Rangers
Carolina Hurricanes v New York Rangers / Rich Graessle/GettyImages
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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

Artemi Panarin
New York Rangers v Washington Capitals - Game Four / Scott Taetsch/GettyImages

A star and one of the best players in the NHL this season

2. Mika Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad
Philadelphia Flyers v New York Rangers / Dustin Satloff/GettyImages

Had a down year this year by his standards but has raised his game in the playoffs

3. Vincent Trocheck

Charlie Lindgren, Vincent Trocheck
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers - Game Two / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

Former ‘Canes center.  Having one of his best offensive seasons

4. Alexis Lafreniere

Alexis Lafreniere
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers - Game One / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

 The former number-one overall pick is finally coming into his own; emerging as a solid offensive threat

5. Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider, Charlie Lindgren
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers - Game Two / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

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.