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this New York Rangers The end-of-season evaluations were conducted on Tuesday. The winning team of the President’s Trophy was eliminated in six games. Florida Panthers During the Eastern Conference Finals.
wingman Alexis Lafanie His personal goals (28) and assists (29) continue to rise, while consolidating his position in the top two.
In addition, the 22-year-old Quebec player scored 8 playoff goals in this round of the series, setting a Rangers record. He scored a total of 14 points, including 4 goals in the league final.
“It’s a disappointing ending. We worked hard all year and prepared to win the Stanley Cup, but we came up just a little short. This is the experience we gained and we can still take it into next year to get better. This team has everything it takes to win. »
Head coach Peter Laviolette has been impressed with Lafayette’s progress and called him an “impact player,” especially in the playoffs.
“He’s excellent. He’s had an excellent season. He responded from the first game. In a trio with a world-class player (Artemi) Panarin, with Vincent (Trocheck) or Filip (Chytil) in the middle, they’ve been excellent. His confidence has grown over time. His series have been excellent too. He’s got a high work rate, he’s got physicality and he’s outstanding. He’s an influential player. »
Laviolette believes the Quebec native is ready to take on greater responsibility starting next season.
“I hope to see him build on that next year. I think he can play more minutes. He spent very little time on the first-round power play unit, which was at the top all year until the third round. He can take on more responsibility, both in terms of playing time and in areas of the game he can influence, such as the big-play offense. »
It was his self-confidence that enabled him to climb the ladder, according to the first choice in the 2020 auction, and he agrees he can strengthen himself further, including in terms of leadership.
“It was about confidence, believing in my game and trying to have fun,” he said, not thinking too much about anything else, just competing and playing well. »
“My goal is always to lead by example on the ice. I want to be a leader on this team and continue to grow. »
Laviolette hopes to be able to say the same for the 23-year-old Finn Capo Caccofailed to take off compared to the previous year. The second overall pick in the 2019 draft was limited to 13 goals and 6 assists in his fifth full season in the NHL, despite playing on the first line. The coach himself also pointed out this phenomenon.
“In the discussions with Kaapo, I also took responsibility for that,” Laviolette admitted. “I can’t say for sure what would trigger it. He’s a good player and we want to see him improve. My role is to help the players improve. We want it to work for everyone, but it’s not always the case. I need to find a way to get him better. He also has his share of responsibility in terms of his contribution. Next season will be a new day. He will have the chance to be in the top six. Even if things didn’t go the way he or we wanted, he has the quality to achieve it and it’s our job to do everything to make it a success, whether it’s us or him. »
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