The New York Rangers are in the midst of a tough Conference Final matchup with the Florida Panthers. For the Rangers one major positive from this season has to be Alexis Lafreniere's success.
Alexis Lafreniere is having a season to remember with the New York Rangers
Alexis Lafreniere was drafted first overall in 2020. The Rangers were in the midst of a quick rebuild, looking to turn their team into a contender. Drafting Lafreniere was a major success in the rebuild when the Rangers won the lottery in 2020, but throughout his first few season's Lafreniere was anything but a difference maker.
Over the past few seasons Lafreniere has struggled at putting the puck in the back of the net, and has struggled at finding consistent ice time in a top six role.
A coaching change this past offseason brought in Peter Laviolette and Lafreniere has looked like the player the Rangers hoped he could be when they drafted him.
He finished the regular season with 28 goals and 57 points, both career highs. Additionally, Lafreniere has been a standout player from this postseason run for the Rangers so far.
Lafreniere has 12 points including six goals. He is tied for third for the most points on the team throughout their postseason run and he is just a goal behind the team lead for goals.
In the Rangers 5-4 overtime win over the Florida Panthers in Game 3, Lafreniere scored two goals and registered six shots. He made an impact on the game and has turned into a top line forward on the team.
HAVE A DAY ALEXIS LAFRENIERE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8D7ZsuURhn
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 26, 2024
In Peter Laviolette's first season with the Rangers he took the team to a Presidents' Trophy win and is currently one of four teams left competing for the Stanley Cup.
While all Laviolette's success has been fun to watch, helping Lafreniere find his game might be the biggest piece to the puzzle that can have an impact on the Rangers for years to come. Although, winning a Stanley Cup this year might be an even better achievement.