New York Rangers forward issues unexpected statement on taking ownership of Third-Line center role
Photo credit: NHL.com
The New York Rangers lost center Filip Chytil in a trade that reunited J.T. Miller with the team. Now, as the center depth dwindles, they have had to rely on depth forward Jonny Brodzinski.
Jonny Brodzinski is the one player who Peter Laviolette has had to rely on since Filip Chytil's trade to Vancouver.
As a depth forward, they're typically not relied on as scoring options, more so as checkers.
Brodzinski is continuing the trend of Rangers third-liners dissuading us of that notion, as in the last 5 games, he's scored 3 points (1 G, 2 A).
He's always played as a forward, but the change in the lineup has afforded him an opportunity to play in the center position.
A position, he's quite comfortable in.
«I think everybody around here, especially teammates and coaches know my game, they know what I can bring to this team,» Brodzinski said. «I'm comfortable in this role. Coming from Hartford, playing on the top line, playing 20 plus minutes, power play, first penalty kill. Can pretty much play anywhere up and down the lineup. I'm comfortable in any spot that they put me in and I just go out there and do the best I can.»
Prior to the Rangers giving him another look in the lineup, he was a healthy scratch from January 11th to February 1st.
Instead of harping on this past, he's decided to push forward. As someone who had to fight for every minute of playing time, he's used to it.
Prior to the Rangers giving him another look in the lineup, he was a healthy scratch from January 11th to February 1st.
Instead of harping on this past, he's decided to push forward. As someone who had to fight for every minute of playing time, he's used to it.
«I've been doing this my whole career, not something that's new to me,» Brodzinski said. «When I'm out, stay positive, keep working hard because like it's been every single time whether it's an injury, we got a trade, stuff happens all the time and you have to be ready. I've always had that mentality and it's worked out so far.»
Not to mention, he's gained the trust of Head Coach Peter Laviolette, who has given Brodzinski another chance to prove himself.
Now, centering Will Cuylle and Chris Kreider Laviolette is impressed with the adjustment.
«I think he's done good,» Laviolette said about Brodzinski moving to center. «That low position defensively at center is always a bit of a learning position. I think most of it came from last year when we moved him in Hartford to the middle. He started playing games think that we may need this because he was one of their top players on a consistent basis.
«I think he's done a good job of learning and continuing to evolve. Most of the games we've used him, he hasn't been at center. He's been at the wing, which I feel is more his natural position, but he does a good job, he's quick, he's fast. He's a smart hockey player, he can read things. I think it's continuing to learn for him.»
«I think he's done a good job of learning and continuing to evolve. Most of the games we've used him, he hasn't been at center. He's been at the wing, which I feel is more his natural position, but he does a good job, he's quick, he's fast. He's a smart hockey player, he can read things. I think it's continuing to learn for him.»
Not only has he found a home on the team's third line, but Laviolette has been confident enough to place him on the team's second power-play unit.
Brodzinski has suited up 23 times for the Rangers and scored 8 points (4 G, 4 A).
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