Alexis Lafreniere practices as net-front guy on Rangers' power-play unit
Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière chases the puck during the first period of an NHL game against the Capitals on Friday at Madison Square Garden. Credit: AP
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Second-year forward Alexis Lafrenière played the role of Chris Kreider on Monday on the Blueshirts’ second power-play unit, working as the net-front guy whose job it is to screen the opposing goalie and then try to get tip-in goals.
“Laffy’s got some skill,’’ coach Gerard Gallant said. “We’re going to try him there a little bit and hopefully get some rebounds and deflection goals and be around the net. He’s got a good set of hands there.’’
Lafrenière will appear in his first NHL playoff game on Tuesday night when the Rangers face the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of the teams’ best-of-seven first-round series.
He scored 19 goals in the regular season, including four (plus two assists) in the final seven games after Gallant rested him for a game in Philadelphia on April 13.
“He finished really strong and he’s playing with some confidence, so that’s really good for us — and for him,’’ Gallant said after the second-year left wing scored a goal in the season finale against Washington on Friday. “He’s played really well.’’
Lafrenière, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, said he is excited to experience the NHL playoffs for the first time.
He said it is even more special that he will get to play against Sidney Crosby, who played for the same junior team in Quebec that Lafrenière did and who also was a No. 1 overall pick (in 2005).
“It’s pretty cool for sure,’’ Lafrenière said. “I grew up watching him.’’
Lafrenière, 20, said he met Crosby, 34, when the junior team, Rimouski of the QMJHL, retired his jersey, but he added that he does not know the Penguins’ captain personally.
“But I watched him a lot, obviously, growing up,’’ he said, “so I know the kind of player he is.’’
Waiting is hardest part
Gallant said he wished the Rangers didn’t have to wait until Tuesday to play Game 1.
“When we were done Friday, the last [regular-season] game, we said we were glad we’re not starting till Tuesday,’’ he said. “Now after the three days, I wish we would have started [Monday]. I’m ready to go, so I think the players are the same way; they’re hungry to get at it . . . They’re healthy, they’re fresh, they’re ready to go.’’
Defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who did not skate at Sunday’s practice after appearing to tweak his left ankle in Friday’s game, returned to practice.
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
