Even after selling off a handful of pieces ahead of this year's NHL trade deadline, the Rangers have actually been playing some better hockey of late.

After Tuesday night's shutout victory over the Calgary Flames, New York has now won three of its last four, and it has recorded points in four of its last six games.

They’ve been doing so by packing more of an offensive punch, scoring three or more goals in each of those six games.

Leading the way has been Mike Sullivan’s new-look top line.

The trio of Alexis Lafreniere, Mika Zibanejad, and Gabe Perreault has shown some tremendous chemistry as they’ve been carrying the offense at even strength.

Tuesday was the latest example, as Lafreniere finished with the second hat trick of his career, with both Zibanejad and Perreault picking up helpers on two of them.

It was just a continuation of what’s been a big-time connection for this group.

“Those guys, they all have really good offensive instincts,” Sullivan said. “They’re a little bit different in how they play, but in a lot of ways I think that’s complementary -- the past couple of games they’ve been really good.”

Lafreniere and Zibanejad have racked up 13 points each over their last 12 games, and Perreault has eight of his own.

While the Blueshirts don’t have much to play for down the stretch, seeing this line find some confidence and consistency certainly could be a good sign for the future.

“I’m happy for the guys,” Sullivan said. “We’ve had our ups and downs throughout the year, but I think we’re competing hard and I think they’re playing for one another. It’s not perfect, but they’re executing for the most part.

“One of the things we talked about coming out of the break was trying to use this as a fresh start and kind of hit the reset button and then trying to feel good about what we do every day and see where it takes us -- I think they’re competing hard, and that’s where it starts.”

Popular in the Community