Alexis Lafrenière has written his name on the scoresheet in six of his last eight games, collecting seven points (two goals, five assists). In his fourth season in the NHL, Lafrenière has gained confidence and is now becoming a key player with the Rangers.
The first class of the 2020 draft did not describe his winning recipe to explain his progress. But if you read between the lines, there are a few things that stand out.
In terms of superstitions, there is a red mustache that he has proudly worn since November. Vincent Trocheck, his center player, also has the mustachioed look.
On the hockey side, there are also more valid reasons, with the arrival of a new head coach, Peter Laviolette, and greater stability on the right wing of Trocheck and Artemi Panarin.
“It’s fun to play with the same guys all the time,” admitted Lafrenière after leaving a morning practice on the ice at the Bell Centre. You can create chemistry with them. They are special players. Panarin plays like few guys in the NHL. Being able to play with him over a long period of time allows you to understand him better and know what he expects from his linemates.”
A profitable change
In his first three seasons in New York, Lafrenière played one season under David Quinn and the following two for Gerard Gallant. Without saying that he was unhappy under previous regimes, he had a smile on his face when talking about Laviolette.
“I like how he leads the team,” he replied. The system is really good. It gives confidence to the players. He’s a coach who is close to his players and that’s cool for us. He brought a good dynamic to the team. “It’s one of the reasons why we’re one of the good teams in the league.”
“He called me this summer, I think he called all the guys, to introduce himself. At camp, we had a few conversations. He really helped me. It’s going well so far. He helps me 100%. He makes everyone confident. You see he’s a good coach with experience.”
A better chair
Before the game at the Bell Centre, Lafrenière had already amassed 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 37 games. He also transitioned well from left wing to right wing to secure a permanent spot on one of the team’s top two offensive lines.
To recycle Martin St-Louis’ expression, Lafrenière is now enjoying a better chair this season with the Rangers.
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“I don’t think he’s playing much different than last year, it’s mostly to do with the opportunity he’s been given,” Trocheck said. He’s getting better opportunities this year than last year. I always really liked the way he played, even last year. I always wanted to play with him, I often asked to be paired with him. I especially like his level of competition. He obviously has a lot of talent, which is why he was drafted first overall, but he struggles on the ice. It’s a combination that is quite rare, a player with so much talent and determination.”
“He is an important player for us,” added Laviolette. His trio is constant. He generates several chances and offense. He developed a great bond with Panarin. At first he played with Chytil, now it’s Trocheck.”
Laviolette briefly returned to his summer conversation with his young 22-year-old winger.
“I told him to come to camp and be ready. I wanted him to arrive in good physical condition. He did that. He worked hard during camp. There was a period of adaptation for him finding himself on the right wing. But it wasn’t long. He found his rhythm and chemistry with his linemates. Very positive for him. For me, I wanted to leave with a clean sheet for all my players, not just him. The past no longer matters, we look to the future.”