Rangers Need Alexis Lafrenière to Step Up His Game
Alexis Lafrenière's performance for the New York Rangers has been a mixed bag so far this season. The 24-year-old left winger has shown flashes of brilliance, but his overall play has been inconsistent, leaving coach Mike Sullivan frustrated.
Lafrenière's statistics suggest that he's been creating chances and taking shots, but his finish has been lacking. He ranks second on the team in expected goals share during five-on-five play (61.10) and is tied for third on the team in high-danger chances with 13. However, his lack of accuracy has cost his team dearly.
Defensively, Lafrenière has struggled, sitting third on the team in goals against during five-on-five play (7). He's also been on the ice for seven five-on-five goals against, a number that would put him second on the team if it weren't tied with Mika Zibanejad.
Sullivan acknowledged that Lafrenière has had strong games, but his overall production hasn't met expectations. The coach emphasized that Lafrenière needs to focus on playing the game the right way and creating opportunities through his work ethic rather than relying solely on his talent.
The Rangers' power play unit has been effective lately, going three-for-three on Tuesday night and fending off all six of their power plays in the last two games. The team's penalty kill is also strong, with an 88.9% mark on the road this season.
Lafrenière will need to take his game up a notch if he wants to contribute more to his team's success. With improved play from him and other key players, the Rangers may finally start to find consistency in their overall performance.
Alexis Lafrenière's performance for the New York Rangers has been a mixed bag so far this season. The 24-year-old left winger has shown flashes of brilliance, but his overall play has been inconsistent, leaving coach Mike Sullivan frustrated.
Lafrenière's statistics suggest that he's been creating chances and taking shots, but his finish has been lacking. He ranks second on the team in expected goals share during five-on-five play (61.10) and is tied for third on the team in high-danger chances with 13. However, his lack of accuracy has cost his team dearly.
Defensively, Lafrenière has struggled, sitting third on the team in goals against during five-on-five play (7). He's also been on the ice for seven five-on-five goals against, a number that would put him second on the team if it weren't tied with Mika Zibanejad.
Sullivan acknowledged that Lafrenière has had strong games, but his overall production hasn't met expectations. The coach emphasized that Lafrenière needs to focus on playing the game the right way and creating opportunities through his work ethic rather than relying solely on his talent.
The Rangers' power play unit has been effective lately, going three-for-three on Tuesday night and fending off all six of their power plays in the last two games. The team's penalty kill is also strong, with an 88.9% mark on the road this season.
Lafrenière will need to take his game up a notch if he wants to contribute more to his team's success. With improved play from him and other key players, the Rangers may finally start to find consistency in their overall performance.