Last season was, to put it mildly, a step backwards for him.
His best campaign was in 2022-23, when he set career highs in goals (18), assists (22) and points (40). He had played all 82 of a season for the first time. He played regularly with Chytil and Alexis Lafrenière as part of a trio known as the “Kid Line” due to their success in the 2022 playoffs.
This unit was Rangers’ third line that season, but it was certainly their most dangerous at times.
Kakko failed to build on these successes in 2023-24. He missed 21 games with a lower body injury suffered on November 27. He had not found his rhythm before the injury, and was unable to do so when he returned to play on January 14.
He didn’t take advantage of the opportunity he got when he was put on the same line as Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, and was even moved to the fourth line several times. He finished the season with 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 61 games.
Kakko added two points (one goal, one assist) in 15 playoff games. He was left out in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Florida Panthers.
“He talked about it last year, I talked about it, we both talked about it, I think he was able to give more, and he has a chance to prove that every day, said Rangers coach Peter Laviolette. When we don’t have what we want in life, we come back the next year, and we want a chance to fix things, to prove that we can do more. In his eyes, like mine, last year doesn’t matter. Each season represents a new opportunity. »
So far, it looks like Kakko wants to take his chance.
The trio he creates with Cuylle and Chytil generates chances and spends time in the offensive zone. Kakko assisted on defenseman Victor Mancini’s first career goal in a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday after helping keep the game alive by recovering the puck behind the net and protecting the puck in the corner of the ice.
“It gives me confidence,” Kakko admitted. At a certain point I have to score, then everything will get better, but at this stage of the season, after just a few games, I’m getting chances. I feel good. »
Kakko is part of the second wave of the Rangers power play, where he positions himself in front of the net, like Chris Kreider does on the first wave. New York’s second unit doesn’t get a ton of ice, but Kakko looks to gain confidence just by holding that role.
“I like this responsibility, in front of the net,” Kakko said. “Kreids” have scored several goals from this spot over the years. We are the second wave, and the first wave was always very good, so they are going to get the majority of the ice time. However, we will be sent into the frame, and it will be up to us to create more chances. More importantly, it allows me to jump on the ice instead of staying on the bench, so it allows me to maintain my rhythm. That’s the most important thing for me, but we also have to visit. »
Kakko knows he will have a role to play if he wants to keep his job. This is what he will have to prove. That he can do it consistently, proof that he can, as Laviolette says, give more.
“I know that,” Kakko said. I am no longer a young player today. »
2024-10-18 18:35:00
#Kakko #show #line #player
