Confirmed with Link: Alexis Lafreniere Signs Extension [7Y/7.45M AAV]

[The Crypto Guy]

who cares what the PP% is over the last 5 games.

You don't have to lol. It was just showing the PP has been ass for 5 games, the 5 games we had our worst slump of the season.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

They're at 28%, not 30%. Perhaps semantics, but that's notable because Tampa was at 28% in 2019 with a setup similar to what they'd have vs. a 2019 league average of 19%. Laf would be in the Kucherov spot and Panarin in the Stamkos spot. Fox in the Hedman spot/point, Trocheck in the Point/bumper spot with Kreider netfront. Kreider is the best netfront player in the league and Fox is a better PP QB than Hedman.

I see no reason they couldn't sustain 30% with this kind of setup.

Meanwhile, our second unit has no identity, and putting Mika there gives them an immediate shooting threat if nothing else due to the threat of him bombing away. Even if he misses the net, that will open space for everyone else who's generally pretty reluctant to shoot., and fixes the reluctance of the forwards to shoot (especially Kakko, when he's on that unit). Cuylle netfront is an effective screen. Add Chytil Kakko and Gus, and there's no reason that unit can't contribute some. There are zero shooters on the second unit. Laf and Gus are the most willing to shoot on that unit, and they're on the points.

Putting Laf in the Kucherov spot and Panarin in the Stamkos spot vs. Panarin and Mika we would be downgrading two spots.

 

[kovazub94]

I feel like a broken record, but they should integrate Laf onto PP1 when the game isn't on the line. It's called "having options." The PP isn't always great. Right now for instance. Last post season against the Devils, too. Arguably lost us the series. It would be nice to have other options when the powerplay inevitably slumps, or someone gets hurt. Integrate him NOW, so its ready for prime time when we need a tweak. When did preparation and contingencies become such esoteric concepts?

Do you have NHL examples of this approach - when a structured and successful PP gets randomly changes "when the game isn't on the line" (which is probably only fans can determine when)?

 

[kovazub94]

Our PP the last 5 games is operating at 12.5%. A percentage that would be 31st in the league. We have went 1-4 in those 5 games. How many of those games were lost because the PP wasn't clicking? It's fine to change something up when something isn't working at the moment. And one of the two goals we scored during those 5 games were with Laf replacing Mika.

Last FIVE games you say?!?!? Wow, that's some sizable sample. It's too big to be honest. Couldn't you pick something more reasonable like one or two games when the 0% PPG was obviously the worst in the universe?

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Last FIVE games you say?!?!? Wow, that's some sizable sample. It's too big to be honest. Couldn't you pick something more reasonable like one or two games when the 0% PPG was obviously the worst in the universe?

Yes I started it when the losing streak began? Hard to comprehend, I know. Why didnt you actually give your opinion on the second half of the post and contribute something of value?

 

[OthmannOut]

I think in the short term you keep things as is because the PP1 is #2 in the league. If there's a counter argument, though, I do like the sell that the bread line is our best line, so having them out there with one of Zbad or Kreider makes sense.
Laf is 100% forcing himself onto PP1 soon though.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Yes I started it when the losing streak began? Hard to comprehend, I know. Why didnt you actually give your opinion on the second half of the post and contribute something of value?

I remember last year when after a few games Gallant would tinker with the lines we'd trash him for it. Only difference is we didn't have one line that was anywhere near as good as our PP. So why was it so bad when Gallant would tinker with the lines but tinker with the hugely successful PP (overall) is such a good idea?

 

[kovazub94]

Yes I started it when the losing streak began? Hard to comprehend, I know. Why didnt you actually give your opinion on the second half of the post and contribute something of value?

Because the first part was so mind boggling (one way of putting it) and the second was heavily depended on it.

PS it’s insulting when you try to manipulate numbers like this - you think we’re all stupid.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Because the first part was so mind boggling (one way of putting it) and the second was heavily depended on it.

PS it’s insulting when you try to manipulate numbers like this - you think we’re all stupid.

The numbers meant NOTHING. The whole point was the PP has not looked good the last 2 weeks and it wouldn't be the worst idea to tinker it a bit and see if it gets kicked started again. Who cares if it was great most of the season, because it's not at the moment and we went on our worst losing streak while it's been stale.

I remember last year when after a few games Gallant would tinker with the lines we'd trash him for it. Only difference is we didn't have one line that was anywhere near as good as our PP. So why was it so bad when Gallant would tinker with the lines but tinker with the hugely successful PP (overall) is such a good idea?

No he didn't. That was the whole issue in the playoffs when we couldnt score a damn PP goal when he kept trying the same 5 guys all game, and for the entire 2 minutes (who never got off the ice)

 

[SnowblindNYR]

The numbers meant NOTHING. The whole point was the PP has not looked good the last 2 weeks and it wouldn't be the worst idea to tinker it a bit and see if it gets kicked started again. Who cares if it was great most of the season, because it's not at the moment and we went on our worst losing streak while it's been stale.


No he didn't. That was the whole issue in the playoffs when we couldnt score a damn PP goal when he kept trying the same 5 guys all game, and for the entire 2 minutes (who never got off the ice)

I'm talking about the lines not the PP. He would change up the lines quite often.

 

[kovazub94]

The numbers meant NOTHING. The whole point was the PP has not looked good the last 2 weeks and it wouldn't be the worst idea to tinker it a bit and see if it gets kicked started again. Who cares if it was great most of the season, because it's not at the moment and we went on our worst losing streak while it's been stale.


No he didn't. That was the whole issue in the playoffs when we couldnt score a damn PP goal when he kept trying the same 5 guys all game, and for the entire 2 minutes (who never got off the ice)

Yes, you’re right.

 

[SA16]

Why is replacing Fox with Gus being compared to replacing Mika with Laf? Fox/Gus play the exact same role on the PP which is to be the distributor on the point. Both are good PP players so it makes sense the PP wouldn't fall off much. It has an extremely minimal affect on the role of any of the other players on the ice. Replacing Mika with Laf requires a total reconfiguration of the unit.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Why is replacing Fox with Gus being compared to replacing Mika with Laf? Fox/Gus play the exact same role on the PP which is to be the distributor on the point. Both are good PP players so it makes sense the PP wouldn't fall off much. It has an extremely minimal affect on the role of any of the other players on the ice. Replacing Mika with Laf requires a total reconfiguration of the unit.

Maybe if Laf had a great one timer I could see the rationale. Then you could have both he and Panarin ready to shoot off the pass which ives opposing teams another threat to have to cover that there isn’t right now. But he doesn’t so it’s pointless.

 

[SA16]

Maybe if Laf had a great one timer I could see the rationale. Then you could have both he and Panarin ready to shoot off the pass which ives opposing teams another threat to have to cover that there isn’t right now. But he doesn’t so it’s pointless.

Yea comparing the Rangers PP to the bolts is pointless. The TB PP does not work because it has two one time options. It works because those two players are Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.

 

[bhamill]

Do you have NHL examples of this approach - when a structured and successful PP gets randomly changes "when the game isn't on the line" (which is probably only fans can determine when)?

Why do I need NHL examples to suggest an idea? Strange appeal to authority there.
Sure, a reasonably comfortable lead is a subjective call, but say three goals up in a game we are controlling with 10 mins to go, is a good time to make the HUGE gamble of alternate PP looks in most reasonable people’s estimations, I’d say. What is the harm? What are you afraid of? What’s the worst that could happen? The pp doesn’t score? Like it normally doesn’t over two out of three times? Or if Laf gets a PP1 shift or two it will irreparably destroy “the league’s best powerplay”? Hahaha. I’d call that an overreaction.
if you are for some reason vehemently opposed to contingencies or trying new shit, that’s fine, but I don’t have to justify a pretty non revolutionary suggestion to you with a list of NHL examples. Hahaha.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Yea comparing the Rangers PP to the bolts is pointless. The TB PP does not work because it has two one time options. It works because those two players are Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.

And yet nobody here even brought up Tampa but you. Very odd to have an argument with yourself?

 

[GENESISPuck94]

What absolutely pisses me off is the kid was dominant for weeks, scores the GWG that ends the Rangers losing streak... and then the coaching staff just randomly decides they've had enough of his success, benches him the first 2 periods tonight and completely saps his momentum. But they won while getting their teeth kicked in those first two periods nearly outshot by double. It's infuriating how this franchise relishes killing young forwards careers.

 

[mas0764]

He was benched tonite?

 

[The Crypto Guy]

What absolutely pisses me off is the kid was dominant for weeks, scores the GWG that ends the Rangers losing streak... and then the coaching staff just randomly decides they've had enough of his success, benches him the first 2 periods tonight and completely saps his momentum. But they won while getting their teeth kicked in those first two periods nearly outshot by double. It's infuriating how this franchise relishes killing young forwards careers.

He wasn’t benched?

 

[bhamill]

What absolutely pisses me off is the kid was dominant for weeks, scores the GWG that ends the Rangers losing streak... and then the coaching staff just randomly decides they've had enough of his success, benches him the first 2 periods tonight and completely saps his momentum. But they won while getting their teeth kicked in those first two periods nearly outshot by double. It's infuriating how this franchise relishes killing young forwards careers.

Laf had 19 shifts for more than 17 mins. The Washington game he had 21 shifts for almost 15 mins. I don’t think it was Lavi actually “benching” him.

 

[TopShelfSnipes]

Yea comparing the Rangers PP to the bolts is pointless. The TB PP does not work because it has two one time options. It works because those two players are Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.

Then you'll be delighted to see how Laf's even strength production compares to Kucherov's in their age 22 seasons. Why not attempt to follow a similar proven trajectory for a top prospect, who may well have a higher ceiling than Zibanejad, instead of force feeding Zibanejad despite what is clearly a down year. When they run into actual good teams in the playoffs that figure out all they have to do is pressure the puck up high to negate this setup, and that Trocheck and Kreider are not exceptional passers and Mika is weak on puck recovery, our PP is going to be exposed exactly the way it was last playoffs when the Devils figured out if they were going to try and do that, they had to not leave Kreider open in front of the net.

The one timer doesn't work for the Rangers because Mika is an incredible shot like Stamkos is. It works when Mika hits the net non-center mass and the goalie can't see the puck cuz Kreider. That would be true for a Laf one-timer as well as Panarin one-timer. Velocity looks nice but a 90MPH shot vs. an 80-85 MPH shot is rarely the difference in an NHL goalie making a save or letting one in. The accuracy matters a lot more, and Panarin is better at hitting the net than Mika is. Panarin was in the Mika spot much of late last year and suffered no significant drop in productivity, and that was with him being less willing to go to the tough areas than this year to score more. This isn't some massive adjustment. It's moving Panarin from a position he's familiar with to another position he's familiar with, and including a left shot on the first unit who is good at puck possession and passing in the offensive zone at even strength with his regular linemates who also happen to be the Rangers best offensive even strength line, and adding Chris Kreider in front of the net to same.

 

[GENESISPuck94]

He was benched tonite?

Not in the traditional sense.

But because he doesn't play any special teams time he had extended times just sitting there twittling his thumbs while guys like Bonino were out there.

It's infuriating that our 1 overall, despite having a great season, still gets the "earn it rook" treatment by this organization. And games like this where he barely played the first 2 periods can stop a player's momentum.

Notice how the games prior he was a shooting machine and on the score sheet. But last night because of the awful mismanagement of ice time (yea we won in spite of it), he not only didn't get any points but had like 1 shot on goal.

This is a player that needs to be involved and on the ice to progress. He's not the Vesey type that can sit prolonged periods and then hop on and mindlessly run around doing shit. Laf needs the reps. Laviolette needs to do a better job of getting him on the ice during the PP. You can't keep running that one unit out there for back to back 2 minute PP shifts and sit this kid for another several shifts waiting for his rotation while Bonino and Goodrow run out there the next 2 minutes after a PP. It's stupid.

If he's not going to get on the PP. Then double shift him after the PP expires so he can get the reps and get O zone time.

 

[kovazub94]

Then you'll be delighted to see how Laf's even strength production compares to Kucherov's in their age 22 seasons. Why not attempt to follow a similar proven trajectory for a top prospect, who may well have a higher ceiling than Zibanejad, instead of force feeding Zibanejad despite what is clearly a down year. When they run into actual good teams in the playoffs that figure out all they have to do is pressure the puck up high to negate this setup, and that Trocheck and Kreider are not exceptional passers and Mika is weak on puck recovery, our PP is going to be exposed exactly the way it was last playoffs when the Devils figured out if they were going to try and do that, they had to not leave Kreider open in front of the net.

The one timer doesn't work for the Rangers because Mika is an incredible shot like Stamkos is. It works when Mika hits the net non-center mass and the goalie can't see the puck cuz Kreider. That would be true for a Laf one-timer as well as Panarin one-timer. Velocity looks nice but a 90MPH shot vs. an 80-85 MPH shot is rarely the difference in an NHL goalie making a save or letting one in. The accuracy matters a lot more, and Panarin is better at hitting the net than Mika is. Panarin was in the Mika spot much of late last year and suffered no significant drop in productivity, and that was with him being less willing to go to the tough areas than this year to score more. This isn't some massive adjustment. It's moving Panarin from a position he's familiar with to another position he's familiar with, and including a left shot on the first unit who is good at puck possession and passing in the offensive zone at even strength with his regular linemates who also happen to be the Rangers best offensive even strength line, and adding Chris Kreider in front of the net to same.

This is INSANE!!! With his performance this year Lafreniere just proved that you don’t need PP1 to develop. This successful PP1 has been in place essentially for the last 4 seasons and only improved further two years ago when Trocheck took over from Strome. IT WORKS plain and simple. So what is the reason at this point to argue for changing it (other than on a personal level you don’t like Zibanejad and like Alexi more)????

 

[McRanger92]

Lafreniere shouldnt be on PP1 over the 5 who are there now, however, they should change the structure of the power play. Laf is the first man up in an injury or penalty situation for what its worth

 

[SA16]

Then you'll be delighted to see how Laf's even strength production compares to Kucherov's in their age 22 seasons. Why not attempt to follow a similar proven trajectory for a top prospect, who may well have a higher ceiling than Zibanejad, instead of force feeding Zibanejad despite what is clearly a down year. When they run into actual good teams in the playoffs that figure out all they have to do is pressure the puck up high to negate this setup, and that Trocheck and Kreider are not exceptional passers and Mika is weak on puck recovery, our PP is going to be exposed exactly the way it was last playoffs when the Devils figured out if they were going to try and do that, they had to not leave Kreider open in front of the net.

The one timer doesn't work for the Rangers because Mika is an incredible shot like Stamkos is. It works when Mika hits the net non-center mass and the goalie can't see the puck cuz Kreider. That would be true for a Laf one-timer as well as Panarin one-timer. Velocity looks nice but a 90MPH shot vs. an 80-85 MPH shot is rarely the difference in an NHL goalie making a save or letting one in. The accuracy matters a lot more, and Panarin is better at hitting the net than Mika is. Panarin was in the Mika spot much of late last year and suffered no significant drop in productivity, and that was with him being less willing to go to the tough areas than this year to score more. This isn't some massive adjustment. It's moving Panarin from a position he's familiar with to another position he's familiar with, and including a left shot on the first unit who is good at puck possession and passing in the offensive zone at even strength with his regular linemates who also happen to be the Rangers best offensive even strength line, and adding Chris Kreider in front of the net to same.

Panarin is not better at hitting the net from that spot than Mika is. I already showed those numbers.

Panarin played almost exclusively on the left side in 19-20, 20-21, He hit the net with 86/184 5v4 shots (46.7%).

Mika has played on the left side almost exclusively in 22-23 and 23-24. He has hit the net with 132/239 5v4 shots (55.2%).

In their careers across a variety of roles Panarin has hit the net with 48.4% of his 5v4 shots and Mika 53.9%. There is zero evidence to say that Panarin is better at hitting the net.

If your hope is that Lafreniere is going to be put Kucherov levels of production you are almost surely going to be disappointed.