Head Coach Peter Laviolette Credits Newly Acquired Defensemen for The Rangers' Turnaround
The New York Rangers have benefitted from adding Will Borgen and Urho Vaakainen into the lineup. With their help, they've put the Rangers back in the hunt for the playoffs.
The New York Rangers shut out the Ottawa Senators last night, and have won three of their last five games.
The team has played good hockey lately and has put itself back in the playoff hunt it is currently in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division.
Head Coach Peter Laviolette credits the team's turnaround to who?
He mentioned that recently acquired defensemen Will Borgen and Urho Vaakainen, have been key to the team's recent success.
Since the two defensemen have taken the ice for the blue shirts, it's been a complete turnaround in production, and play.
"They are competitive with the defensive aspect to the game. From a defensive standpoint, we can put out there that close out quick, can defend, have sticks and that's really their MO. I think that has helped our team.»
With a record of 23-20-4, they're one point behind the Columbus Blue Jackets and a wild card spot.
Both defensemen were acquired in trades that sent key pieces to different teams, as GM Chris Drury traded Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in return for Vaakainen.
While Kaapo Kakko was sent to the Seattle Kraken for Will Borgen.
Both players have earned Laviolette's trust as they play over 15 minutes a game for the Rangers on the second and bottom pairings.
Since arriving the New York Rangers' defense has looked better than before.
Borgen has played 16 games this season for the Rangers and has scored 2 points(1 G, 1 A) and 2 PIMs. He primarily serves as a defensive defenseman on the 2nd pairing, as he has little offensive upside.
But he's not afraid to lay the body and clear the crease.
While Urho Vaakainen has been placed with Braden Schneider, on the third pairing, and has played 17 games for the Rangers with 3 points( 0 G, 3 A).
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