Who would you put on the 2nd line? Kakko has some chemistry with Panarin and Strome. Kakko is at the very least, a serviceable hockey player. Dryden Hunt is dreadful and needs to be shot into the sun.
You didn't answer the question. I understand you don't like Kakko, which is fair since he's not putting up points. He's a solid defensive forward and is light years better than Dryden Hunt. Who would you put on the 2nd line over Kaapo Kakko? I'd either move Copp out to RW (which I don't know if he can do) and put Strome at 2C when he's back. Move Kakko to that 3rd line with Laf and Chytil. Put Goodrow at 4C.
I see nothing wrong with what you are proposing. The one difference is that I would put LaFreniere back on the first line with Kreider and Zibanejad. He had his best two weeks as a Ranger on that line.
I think they moved Laf back because he was more comfortable playing LW. But as for the lines, I really don't know what they're going to do. They have a ton of versatility. The next big step for Laffy is getting minutes on PP1. He already leads the Rangers in 5v5 goals since he was drafted. His point totals are lackluster because he doesn't get PP1 minutes.
I wasn't suggesting it. I was referring to next season and beyond, hopefully Laf can finally crack that PP1 unit once Strome walks.
I think I’d rather Washington than Pittsburgh solely because of how inconsistent they are but Pittsburgh will struggle to win a cup because of Jarry.
Most likely path at this point is Penguins, Hurricanes, Panthers, Avalanche. The Rangers can beat all of those teams except for the Avalanche. The Avalanche score goals in bunches and when the Rangers are off they allow goals in bunches. Just a bad matchup.
We've done well against the Penguins and the Hurricanes this year. I think we have a very good shot against both teams as long as Igor is healthy.
I have said it before and I will say it again - This is year three of a complete rebuild. If they were to win one round, it would be a HUGE accomplishment, and go a long way towards getting a young team some quality playoff seasoning.
My friend, Ovechkin is an absolute BEAST in the playoffs. And that not Holtby in net for them anymore.