New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko came out flying in his first game back since Nov. 27
Forward Kaapo Kaako returned to the New York Rangers lineup on Sunday. It was his first game back since his injury on Nov. 27 in a game against the Buffalo Sabres.
His preseason showing was promising, but he struggled in the first quarter of the season to produce and was shuffled onto the third line with Will Cuylle and Nick Bonino before his injury.
Kakko had 16:04 of time-on-ice, two shots on goal, and 2:01 of power play time, skating on the Rangers' top line along with with the second unit.
He came close to scoring on a feed from Alexis Lafreniere, doing what he does best: Using his frame to possess and create space for teammates and getting to the net to finish.
Without Kakko in the lineup, the Rangers are 11-7-1. With him, they boast an impressive 16-4-1 record.
The Rangers benefited from strong play by fill-in Jonny Brodzinski, and their stockpile of centers covered the hole of Filip Chytil's absence well.
It was evident Sunday afternoon that the Rangers have more balance when Kakko is in the lineup. Certain players, like Blake Wheeler, will able to slot lower into the lineup, in roles that suit them better.
Here's what Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette thought of Kakko's first game back.
"I thought he had a really positive minutes. I talked with him, and he felt good," Laviolette said. "I thought he was a contributor offensively. He had some chances to score, and that's what you want to see, is the opportunity, and the chances will eventually go in for him.
"So, he did create."
As for what went into the decision to put him right back up on the top line:
"He started there, and then wasn't there. The line actually had some decent numbers. They were producing opportunities. What was missing was the result, and after a little bit, we ended up changing and going in different directions, and then we lost him, so it's nice to get him back and give them an opportunity, and I thought first for his first game back, he played a strong game."
The 22-year-old's play in his zone is a unique asset that the Rangers have lacked amidst their struggles at even strength and neutral zone defense.