Blake Wheeler scored two goals in the New York Rangers 5-2 victory on Tuesday night.
Blake Wheeler scored two goals in the New York Rangers 5-2 victory on Tuesday night.
The 37-year-old forward has 17 points (7 goals, and 10 assists) in 43 games this season.
The last time Wheeler scored was on Dec.22 against the Edmonton Oilers, and his last two-goal game was on Dec. 12 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Rangers needed depth on the right wing for this season and did not have the capital to make a big splash.
The off-season bargain bin addition inked a 1-year, $800,000 deal. He has earned his signing bonuses ($300,000) and has a no-trade clause.
Wheeler played several games with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider but took a step forward and two steps back every week.
With Kaapo Kakko back in the lineup playing on the first line, Wheeler has played in the bottom six.
"Without question between the [top line] the power play, the penalty kill, and goaltending that's been the story of our team," Wheeler said.
"Down the stretch and as you get closer to playoff time you need everyone contributing. Certainly, those guys will be looked at to carry the load offensively, but we all have to chip in."
The second line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere will not be rearranged, and the Rangers have suffered from a lack of identity on the third line.
"The balance was good the scoring was good. We haven't had that the last few games, "The Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said.
"The speed was good, I thought that line was good too. They were noticeable tonight and scored a nice goal. They got it down got the cycle, got the puck low to high, and got the net-front presence. It was a nice goal and I noticed that line."
Wheeler is building a connection with Jonny Brodzinski and Will Cuylle. The Rangers need that to run four formidable lines again, where the first quarters success was built upon.