The Rangers have an exciting lineup battle, a lineup struggle between two forwards
The New York Rangers have a great competition arising between two forwards, who want a spot in the NHL lineup.
The fourth-line center position is up for whoever can win it and a couple of forwards, who are fan favorites could secure it.
The first forward is Matt Rempe, who took on Matt Martin from the New York Islanders during the Stadium Series in 2023. He would establish his identity in the NHL as an enforcer.
But has been working during the off-season to change his identity, from an enforcer to a depth forward, who can fight and score as well.
He'd play 17 games for the Rangers, scoring 2 points(1 G, 1 A) with an ATOI of 5:38. He'd add 50 bruising hits and was used sparingly by head coach Laviolette.
Like Rempe, Adam Edstrom is a tall, physical presence on the ice for the New York Rangers. The center is 6'7", 234 pounds, and has a similar game to Rempe, and plays with intensity.
Last season, Rempe played 11 games for the Rangers scoring 2 points, adding 30 hits, and did that with an ATOI of 8:25.
However, Laviolette wouldn't call Edstrom up for post-season play.
Edstrom would be a factor, along with Zac Jones in the Rangers coming back to win a preseason game against the New York Islanders. He scored the game-winning goal for the Rangers with 38 seconds left in the game.
But who is the variable in this equation?
Veteran Sam Carrick, who is a regular post-season performer is projected to be the Rangers fourth line center. He doesn't have the size or physicality that Edstrom or Rempe would bring as his stature is only 6' and 200 pounds.
Carrick was signed to replace Barclay Goodrow, as a long-time NHLer who helped the Edmonton Oilers stay relevant in the post-season.
Who Dares Wins
Rempe and Edstrom will have to play beyond expectations to win a spot over a proven NHLer like Sam Carrick.
The Rangers need someone with verifiable post-season performance, and a veteran like Carrick may end up being that choice if Edstrom or Rempe can't convince Laviolette they're the right horse in the game.
Source: Empire Sports Media
Rangers have intriguing lineup battle between two fan-favorite forwards
| POLL | ||
Who wins the fourth-line center spot? | ||
| Sam Carrick | 15 | 24.2 % |
| Matt Rempe | 22 | 35.5 % |
| Adam Edstrom | 25 | 40.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
