New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko caught up with The Hockey News about his outlook on the second half of the season in this exclusive 1-on-1 conversation.
New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko is geared up for the second half of the season following a wobbly start to the year.
“[Rest] was the goal. Just relax [and] not do anything [but] get some rest before the second half. So I think I did that and feel good.”
After a first half where the 22-year-old forward missed 21 games due to a lower-body injury, the remaining 32 games will be a clean slate for the young talent.
"[I'm] just trying to play better. I mean, I think it's just better if you don't set any goals like what I need to do better. Try to feel good and play the game better. That's what [I] need to do," Kakko told the Hockey News.
"I mean, at the end of the last month I think we didn't play like we should play," said Kakko.
"[We are] Even better than that. I think we have to do better in the second half of the year. I think there's been some very good games sometimes not so good. We need to keep doing those right things.”
When the Finnish right flank returned from his LTIR stay, he was immediately thrust onto the top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. He scored in his second game back from injury against the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 16.
He has skated on both the top unit this season and also with Will Cuylle and Jonny Brodzinski on the third line for the Rangers this season.
The season has been a rollercoaster for Kakko, but he has remained confident in his abilities and has taken his different roles on with grace.
“Two different lines. It's my job. I just play [it] doesn't matter where [or] what's the line. It’s my job.
So like I said two different lines. The other one plays more than the other but that's hockey. Right now I'm with [Cuylle and Brodzinski]. I think in the last game we played well. [I want to] try to keep playing well.”
It takes a chameleon to shift from the checking line to complimenting two franchise cornerstones and vice versa.
"It's different when you're not playing as much," Kakko admitted.
"It's a little harder when you're on the first line you go on the ice more and feel good. With the other line, you stay on the bench more and it is harder to get back on the ice."
As for where he is in the lineup, Kakko does not fret about those decisions. His focus and goal is clear.
"I still try to play my game and do the things I'm good at. That's the goal. I just need to be as good as I can be and play my game. The coach's job is to put me on the lines that I can be the best."