Peter Laviolette shocks many with latest statement on forward Jonny Brodzinski's performance

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Joshua Deeds
November 20, 2024 (4:03 PM)

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The New York Rangers have had to adjust with Filip Chytil out of the lineup, a key piece on the Rangers 3rd line.

Since his absence, Peter Laviolette has had to rely upon forward depth to fill the spot left by Chytil.

That call-up right now is Jonny Brodzinski who has seen serious time in the AHL and even served as the AHL Hartford Wolfpack's Captain.

He's impressed Laviolette with his play:

«I think he's gotten better every game he's played,» Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said postgame. «When you're out that long, even though he was practicing every day, there' a difference between that and playing games and game shape and feeling the game. For the time that he's been in there, he seems to get better every period. I think more time will be good for him.»

The 31-year forward has found a short-term home with Cuylle, and Kakko who are just two pieces in a solid line for the Rangers.

He's shown he's capable of producing with an assist, a +2 rating for his efforts, and won seven face-offs.

A solid fill-in for Chytil.

The best part is they haven't missed a step in driving offense, controlling the ice, and being solid defensively.

The third line had out-scored opponents 11-0 at 5v5 prior to Chytil's injury, and Brodzinski has allowed the line to proceed business as usual, outscoring the opposition 3-0 the past two games.

There's no telling when Brodzinski will be pulled out of the lineup in favor of Chytil. He didn't suffer a concussion but has been traveling with the team recently. It seems a matter of if and when for now.

But in the meantime, Brodzinski will continue to be an anchor for the 3rd-line as Chyk hasn't been practicing with the Rangers.

Adam Fox illustrates how great Brodzinski is offensively, and how good his play is.

«Jonny adds a different element,» defenseman Adam Fox said. «He has that speed that (Chytil) has also. He's a good player. He's a guy that we've relied on to kind of plug in, one through four, he's played all over. He could shoot a puck, smart player, and I think the coaches really trust him when he's on the ice so he's definitely stepped in and that line hasn't missed a beat.»

Brodzinski has been a fixture on the third line, as a fill-in for Chytil last season for a 57-game stretch.

«I think it's been pretty good,» Kakko explained. «We played together last year also, so we kind of know what to do out there. I think a couple pretty good games.»

Brodzinski has passed not only the eye test, but he has the analytics to back him up as well.

On Tuesday, Cuylle, Brodzinski and Kakko had an xGF of 58.59 percent, per Natural Stat Trick. That's not dissimilar to what it typically looks like when Chytil is playing center and Brodzinski is watching in the press box.

In 9 games played for the Rangers this season he has 3 points( 1 G, 2 A) and a +5 with an TOI of 10:50 against the Vancouver Canucks.

The Rangers have the benefit of good depth available in the AHL and on the regular roster.