The Rangers’ line of Alexis Lafreniere, Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin has been one of the league’s most comprehensive forces together this season.
This line has anchored them with strong five-on-five zone entry, hard puck pressure and timely goals at a consistent rate since its inception. It was also the catalyst to the 2-1, Game 2, overtime victory against Florida on Friday.
After an unfortunate sequence that led to an own goal by Lafreniere in Game 1, the 22-year-old former first-overall pick responded with the resilience of a veteran. Lafreniere laid a hit on Carter Verhaeghe that set up the Rangers’ first score of the series in the opening minutes.
You could say Lafreniere is somewhat of the unsung hero of the trio that logged more ice time together than any other line in the NHL this season. Complementing the acumens of Panarin and Trocheck is a tall order, and Lafreniere has not only blossomed offensively with his first 20-plus goal season, he has become a reliable two-way forward as well.
After a five-game point streak, Lafreniere has gone dry on the stat sheet, but he is tied for fourth with Chris Kreider in playoff points at 10. The looks are there for him, as he’s netting a 13.3 percent shooting rate on 2.5 shots on goal per game. He’s also ranked third in a balanced Rangers lineup in expected goals with 3.7.
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Florida’s violent play came back to fruition in Game 2. The belligerent tone of play is only bound to continue, which also offers potential for Lafreniere on the second power-play unit. He’s scored three points with the man-advantage throughout the postseason.
In a tight, pain-staking and stubborn series, it’s tough to target any value in player props. But Lafreniere’s supporting role in critical moments leaves him as an encouraging play.
The play: Alexis Lafreniere Over 0.5 Points (+105 BetMGM)
