Kaapo Kakko accepts role as crucial part of Rangers’ third line
MONTREAL — Kaapo Kakko can’t help but sound surprised when he acknowledges that it’s his sixth season in the NHL.
When you make your debut at 18 and have been with the same organization ever since, however, it’s understandable to feel like you’re in hyperdrive.
Kakko is now 23, with 305 regular-season games and 44 playoff contests to his name since getting drafted second overall in 2019.
Though it’s more than just the years and familiarity that has Kakko feeling like time is flying by.
The nature of the role that Kakko has played for a majority of his Rangers tenure has not changed.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Kakko told The Post after practice Monday afternoon at Bell Centre. “It’s going fast. I feel it’s kind of the same role as last year. Nothing crazy, expectations [wise], we’ll see what’s going to come. I try to do my best no matter how much ice time I get.”
Any player who came into the NHL under the circumstances that Kakko did would want more, and it’s obvious the Finn does.
Three different Rangers coaches have tried to do so, with No. 24 receiving several opportunities in the top six over the years, but Kakko wasn’t able to deliver on a consistent enough basis to stick.
That may have relegated Kakko to the third line for most of his NHL career, but some of those units have been of great importance to the Rangers.
The current line of Kakko, Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle has been one of the most consistently effective trios in the NHL so far this season.
They have not been on the ice for a five-on-five goal against yet, and they led all NHL lines in expected goals for at 4.8 as of Monday afternoon, according to MoneyPuck.com.
Whether it’s spending heaps of time in the offensive zone, cycling with puck possession or creating around the net, the Rangers third line has presented all the tools to alleviate scoring pressure off the top six — aside from the results.
Despite being on the ice for five Rangers goals, Kakko, Chytil and Cuylle have only generated two goals as a line.
After Chytil scored in the season opener, Cuylle posted the game-tying score in the third period that pushed the Rangers to overtime in the 6-5 loss to Utah.
As a line, they’ve combined for 28 shots. Puck luck has just not been on their side.
“I think if you’re doing the right things out on the ice, then usually the results follow,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “If a line is playing the game the right way and they’re in the offensive zone and they’re generating, those are three pretty good players, I feel like the numbers will follow.”
It may not be the flashy top-six job Kakko envisioned for himself six seasons ago, but it’s a crucial aspect of the Rangers’ game that bodes well for his style of play.
The line as a whole appears to be on the cusp of putting it all together offensively.
Kakko will have to play a big part in it in order for it to do so.
“I think that gives you confidence, when you’re out there and you’re getting chances,” Kakko said. “Usually you feel pretty good after that. I mean, there’s been games where we haven’t been there — more in the D zone. Then it’s harder. But when you get out there, get the chances, you usually feel good. Those goals, they’re going to come at some point.”
