The Ranger's first line of Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Kaapo Kakko played a dominant all-around game that has not been seen from the top trio this season.
The New York Rangers top line collected four points Tuesday night as the Blueshirts defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-2.
In his second game back after a 21-game absence, Kaapo Kakko scored his first goal since Nov. 20th against the Dallas Stars:
Mika Zibanejad registered two assists, and Chris Kreider added an assist on a masterful passing play.
Rangers general manager Chris Drury, former head coach Gerard Gallant, and current head coach Peter Laviolette have rotated 13 different wingers on the top line since 2021.
The search for a right-wing to complement Zibanejad and Kreider has been a long and windy road.
It appears Kakko is the right fit in his third go-around on the top unit.
"I think we did a good job on the walls and the breakouts. Especially my goal without Kreider we don't score a goal. He tipped it out to Mika, and I scored, so that was a big thing," Kakko said.
Transitioning has been an issue for the Rangers, but Kakko's goal was the result of a three-zone rush play.
Even if the line is not producing, detailed play is essential for the team to lock things down on defense.
"Last game, our line played a good game. We just didn't score goals. [We scored] A couple of goals today."
Positivity played a part in Kakko's cocktail of success since his return from an injury that looked season-threatening.
"His [Kakko's] face said a lot," Zibanejad said. "He's been positive through the whole process, and he comes back and wants to play. He wanted to contribute offensively, and he was able to do so. I'm happy for him."
Former top-line right winger Blake Wheeler, who also scored a confidence goal on Tuesday, noted the significance of Kakko to the club following the victory.
"You're always rooting for a guy that comes back from injury. Especially a young guy who's come back from a serious [injury]," Wheeler said.
"He's a huge piece for us, you want to see him feeling confident and making big plays. We are going to rely on him down the stretch."
Zibanejad and Kreider drive the success of this hockey club. A complimentary skater on their flank is paramount for their success.
A small sample from the last two games suggests that Kakko is finally ready to take the mantle.