One of the biggest questions for the New York Rangers as they start the new season was how long it would take Vincent Trocheck to work with his linemate Artemi Panarin and the rest of the powerplay unit.
It took four games total, but the early return of the trocheck signing is hugely positive for the blueshirts.
In four games, Trocheck is third on the team in points (5) and has been a helping hand in faceoff wins for a team that has struggled in the category all of last year. The work the former Hurricane has done to fit into this current group of Rangers is lauded by his teammates.
“He’s a good player, both offensively and defensively. He can definitely finish an assist and make a great pass: he’s a great player.” Artemi Panarin spoke about his linemate after Monday’s competition.
In New York’s 6-4 win over Anaheim Monday night, Trocheck was an early factor, scoring and providing an assist to help Rangers take an early 2-0 lead. Much of Trocheck’s success, and that of Rangers, is on the power play. New York has an incredible 33% win rate on man advantage early in the season: an eight-point increase from last year’s group.
It’s only been four games in a new home, but the former Hurricane has been happy with the work he’s been doing to get to know his new teammates better.
“I think I’m starting to fit the power play better. The guys on the outside pull the puck around me nicely and I just have to find an open area in the middle and expect the puck.” Trocheck said after Monday’s win.
While the steps for the second line have begun, they still have a long way to go before they’re truly comfortable with each other night after night.
“I feel like I’ve said it many times before, but getting used to my linemate’s tendencies is something you can’t really learn or figure out in a few games. It’s taking a while, but I think we’re getting there slowly.” Trocheck explains.
It was expected that Trocheck and Panarin’s relationship would remain intriguing throughout the regular season. As the offense continues to accumulate points and the power play continues to thrive, the level of comfort for Trocheck in a new system and at home will only increase.
Of course, victory heals everything.