It’s time to reveal the three New York Rangers midseason studs as the All-Star Break approaches. Throughout Peter Laviolette’s first campaign, there have been some shining moments on what can only be called a roller coaster. Positive things have been witnessed. We’ve witnessed awful. We’ve even witnessed some ugly, really. Three players have been recognized for their outstanding play since the season’s beginning as a result of all of this.
One rookie and two all-around excellent linemates are among the selections. The abundance of injuries earned one selection to the All-Star team. One is expecting his second child. The other represents what New Yorkers envision for the city’s future identity at this point. All three players have performed better than expected in their respective roles. Here are the three stars at this halfway stage, purely based on their own performance and ability to carry out their intended tasks.
First Star: Artemi Panarin
This was an obvious choice because Artemi Panarin receives the highest honors. The fact that “The Breadman” is worth much more than the $11+ million he makes each season is demonstrated by this one. Despite missing out on the playoffs and having turnovers, Panarin is one of the best players to watch. “Bread” has the charisma of a Top Gun fighter pilot, hands like silk, and vision like a hawk.
Panarin was the clear choice to represent New York in the All-Star Game. Rather, he requested not to be chosen because he and his spouse are expecting a kid. For the last Calder Trophy winner, the season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an incredible 66 points in 49 games, Panarin is in talks for certain awards at the end of the season.
Panarin might have a record-breaking year in 2024. A child on the way, more points, and ongoing bonding could motivate Panarin to pull his team out of its slump from last month.
Second Star: Vincent Trocheck
As things have turned out, Vincent Trocheck will be playing in the 2024 All-Star Game. Nobody was impacted more by the aforementioned injury plague than Filip Chytil. Since his first injury earlier in the season, there has been an urgent need to cover the hole at 2C. Trocheck was immediately summoned upon by Laviolette to center the second line alongside Alexis Lafrenière and Artemi Panarin. It was, as they say, a match made in heaven.
Rewind to Boston on December 16, please. The Rangers appeared exhausted when facing a formidable Bruins team. With nine minutes remaining, #16 knotted the score with a late powerplay goal. Trocheck retained the puck on his stick and deflected a Panarin shot past Jeremy Swayman to force extra. Actually, this was the man known as “Trochocinco” in the locker room’s coming-out party.
Third Star: Will Cuylle
This selection is the one that a lot of readers would find surprising. In my perspective, the two stars were locks, but this one remained uncertain until now. Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, and Jonathan Quick were further choices. Will Cuylle has emerged as a bright spot in this Rangers lineup when considering the squad as a whole.
Upon Laviolette’s appointment as head coach, many questioned who could match his coaching philosophy. For many, guys like Blake Wheeler and Kreider were the standard. Cuylle has been a fan favorite from the beginning of the season just because of the way he plays the game. With a third-line start to the season, point output has been comparatively low. Cuylle earned a few starts on New York’s first line with perseverance, time, and a persistent strain from injuries. With 49 games played, Cuylle has 14 points and a plus-3 rating, maintaining his strong, underappreciated season.
Every time he performs, Cuylle amplifies his physicality. He is a force on the ice, from his battles along the boards to his presence at the net. He leads all rookies in hits this season with 128. In response to the supporters who bemoan the lack of roughness, Cuylle silences the critics on his own.
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