Rangers rookie Will Cuylle put on team’s first line during practice
The Rangers havent looked like one of the NHLs best teams in over a month, having gone just 8-8 since Dec. 5.
And with the Blueshirts still dealing with injuries and shaky play following a second straight loss on Monday, this time to the Vancouver Canucks, head coach Peter Laviolette shook up the teams top line for Tuesdays practice.
Will Cuylle was bumped up from the third line, taking the spot of Blake Wheeler at right wing, alongside Mika Zibanejad at center and Chris Kreider on the left.
It was pretty cool, Cuylle said. Well see how things look out there. Obviously, its two really good players. A couple of Ranger legends. I can learn a lot from them, as well.
Laviolette stressed it was just practice, but didnt rule out using the line Thursday against the Blues in St. Louis.
Will Cuylle was put on the Rangers’ first line during practice on Tuesday. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConIt was an opportunity to pop him in there and see how he does, Laviolette said of the 21-year-old Cuylle. You look at different tings in practice.
But Laviolette has praised Cuylle for his solid play and ability to avoid mistakes.
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Will is probably one of our more physical guys, Laviolette said. He gets in on the forecheck and bangs bodies.
In some ways, Cuylles game resembles Kreiders, especially when it comes to the physical play both bring in front of the net.
Kreider makes a living there, Laviolette said. For me, Cuylle is a guy who can jump out there and make some noise.
The decision, according to Laviolette, was also related to the fact the Rangers arent at full strength.
What sometimes gets lost is were missing some guys from the lineup, Laviolette said, referring to Kaapo Kakko, who participated in Tuesdays practice, but remained in a non-contact jersey and seems unlikely to return by Thursday.
That changes things, Laviolette said. If we were healthy, Im not sure that would be the move. But were not. When you dont have all your assets available to you, you fill in different spots at times. You try things and give it time.
Cuylle is confident he and Kreider can succeed together, even if there is some overlap to their games.
Its just reading off each other, Cuylle said. If I see him standing in front of the net, Im not gonna stand beside him.
Cuylle has seven goals on the season while playing left wing on the third line, while Wheeler has just five goals. Wheeler moved to the third line Tuesday, next to Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey.
Of the move from the left wing to right wing, Cuylle said it wouldnt require much of an adjustment, other than making sure hes on the correct side in the defensive zone and getting passes from a different defenseman.
New York Rangers’ Will Cuylle celebrates a goal by Adam Fox against Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during the third period on Jan. 6, 2024. APAnd while he wants to make the most of his turn with Kreider and Zibanejad, Cuylle said it was important he didnt alter his style of play.
I was saying Monday, no matter what line I play on, I try to play my game, Cuylle said. Thats what Im gonna do: Just keep things simple and work hard. Im not gonna change how I play.
Hes also aware of what this could mean for him.
Its huge, Cuylle said. Its a chance to show that I can play with some top guys, potentially. Im looking forward to it. I hope I get a shot to do it in a game.
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