Rangers’ mettle on physical third line will be tested against Hurricanes

The anticipated uptick in competition is expected to reveal the true capabilities of the Rangers third line, after the trio operated like a shutdown checking unit in the first round against the Capitals.

The Hurricanes will present a much different matchup challenge, however, one that the Rangers have had to work through before.

Having Will Cuylle, Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko serve as a line that can grind the puck out below the hash marks, maintain possession in the offensive zone and play a tight defensive game could be key for the Rangers in Round 2.

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Such was the case in the first series.

In 30:13 of ice time together, according to Natural Stat Trick, the third line was on the ice for one Rangers goal (from Kakko in Game 4) and zero against, while also holding a 32-22 edge in shot attempts.

They posted a 67.09 expected goals for percentage, in addition to finishing with a 4-3 advantage in high-danger chances.

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It was a line that head coach Peter Laviolette clearly felt comfortable throwing out there against any opposing unit.

“They’ve been a good line,” Laviolette said in the middle of Round 1. “Even if the zone time doesn’t amount to anything, you’re still in the right zone — the offensive zone — you have possession and you’re making them play defense.”

Kakko, in particular, should be well-equipped to compete in a series against a Hurricanes team that likes to play a relentless man-to-man defense.

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His penchant for holding onto the puck when he can in the offensive zone could help the Rangers counter the pressure Carolina consistently generates.

“We played in the O-zone a lot,” Kakko said. “I feel that’s our game, that’s what we need to do. Get the chances, also, over there, like we did.”

Puck drop for Game 1 of the second-round series against the Hurricanes is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The rest of the schedule is yet to be announced.

The Rangers were off on Friday, but are set to return to practice on Saturday.

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