But it seemed along the way, the Rangers were missing a key piece of the lineup who could push them past the Panthers.
Would that piece be Filip Chytil? Chytil while did return during the post-season, couldn't play as well as he could've as he was still recovering from the effects of a concussion suffered in November.
But the 25-year-old is back in the Rangers lineup and has been noticeable during the team's preseason play.
He's played as one of the best Rangers during exhibition play, showcasing his speed down the stretch, and creating plays for Kaapo Kakko, and Will Cuylle.
He's been utilized by Peter Laviolette on the special teams, on both the Penalty Kill and Power-play.
It seems he'll have increased responsibility this season too! A great outlook for the center.
Chytil will need to stay healthy for the Rangers to be dangerous, and not only on the power play.
Chytil has proven himself to be a dynamic forward, capable of reliable two-way play and those players are valuable.
Thanks to injuries his career opportunities and accolades have been limited and we hope for 2024-2025 he can turn it around significantly.
Hopefully, he is healthy enough to be the forward the Rangers need him to be, as they are what could be considered a "do or die" situation for this group.
Jacob Trouba has expressed that this could be the end of the core, should this season turn to failure.
For that matter, that should motivate someone like Chytil even more, hopefully with a chip on his shoulder.
Chytil has played 337 NHL games, scoring 144 points( 64 G, 80 A) and 80 PIMS, while playing 36 playoff games scoring 13 points( 8 G, 5 A) with 8 PIMs.
Maybe even one day add a Stanley Cup to that stat line?
Source:The Hockey News
Filip Chytil Is The Missing Piece To The Puzzle For Rangers
POLL | ||
Will Filip Chytil finally turn into the center the Rangers need to secure a Stanley Cup in 2024? | ||
Yes | 65 | 72.2 % |
No | 25 | 27.8 % |
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