Rаngers’ Kаарo Kаkko stіll stewіng over Gаme 2 sсrаtсһ

Kaapo Kakko, for the moment, is back in the Rangers’ lineup.

But the winger was still less than thrilled Monday when his Game 2 healthy scratch came up.

“All the players want to play,” Kakko said. “So, not happy.”

Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko handles the puck during Game 3 on Sunday in Sunrise, Fla.

Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko handles the puck during Game 3 on Sunday in Sunrise, Fla

Kakko has yet to record a point in this Eastern Conference Final, though he played a role in Alex Wennberg’s overtime winner in Game 3, and has just a goal and an assist in these playoffs as a whole.

He readily admitted that he has not played his best game against the Panthers.

But the Finn’s second-ever healthy scratch in the playoffs, after Game 6 of the Conference Finals in Tampa two years ago, appeared to leave him stewing — even a few days after the fact.

Kakko was “not really” given a reason for being out of the lineup, and when asked about coach Peter Laviolette’s communication with him, he pursed his lips, paused and let out a sigh.

“It’s part of the game,” Kakko said. “Somebody’s not playing. I think I can’t say much about it. We just need to win six more games so I’m not thinking about it.”

Kaapo Kakko, left, celebrates with Alex Wennberg after Wennberg scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 3 on Sunday in Sunrise, Fla.

Kaapo Kakko, left, celebrates with Alex Wennberg after Wennberg scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 3 on Sunday in Sunrise, Fla

If there was a bit of wondering already about Kakko’s future with the Rangers, that is now a massive question hanging over the player, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.

If there is not a top-six opportunity awaiting him in New York, and if these playoffs ultimately leave a poor taste in his mouth, it’s easy to construct a scenario in which moving on ends up being the best course of action for both sides.

Of course, the middle of the Eastern Conference Final is not the time for such questions.

And for the time being, Kakko’s bigger concern is getting himself going in time to impact the series.

There is still ample time for the former second overall pick to change the narrative.

After generally playing up ice, if not scoring the puck nearly enough, for much of the playoffs, the third line of himself, Wennberg and Jack Roslovic was caved for much of Game 3.

It was noteworthy, too, that Florida looked to take advantage of last change by playing Aleksander Barkov’s line against the trio when the opportunity arose.

“Just get the pucks in the O-Zone,” Kakko said. “I think the whole line, we need to do that more. I think that’s all of us. … We just need to get there and maybe can be a little better.”

Related Posts

Yankees Could Reunite With Star At Trade Deadline According To Insider

New York certainly will be busy around the trade deadline New York Mets starting pitcher Luis Severino (40) walks off the field after the top of the…

Jesрerі Kotkаnіemі on Hіs Seаson, Offseаson Exрeсtаtіons аnd Pһysісаlіty

The 23-year-old center’s season was riddled with poor luck and inconsistency. The Carolina Hurricanes made a big bet on Jesperi Kotkaniemi. After only one year in the…

Red Sox’ Jаrren Durаn on расe for ‘one һell of а stаt,’ would be reсord

Jarren Duran leads the major leagues with eight triples and he’s on pace for 24. That would set a Red Sox single-season record. “That would be one…

Bаіley’s Dаіly: NHL Rumors; Krаken Hіre Dаn Bylsmа

In Tuesday’s edition of Bailey’s Daily, we’ll be talking the latest Philadelphia Flyers news, NHL news, stories, highlights, and more from the last… eight days. It’s been…

Wһаt do tісkets сost for NY Rаngers-Florіdа Pаntһers Gаme 5 аt MSG?

No matter what happens in Game 4, the New York Rangers are headed home at least one more time this season. As of now, the Broadway Blueshirts…

Best Pаtrісk Kаne destіnаtіons іf һe leаves Red Wіngs іn free аgenсy

Where will Patrick Kane end up? Patrick Kane bet on himself last summer. He decided against signing a contract in NHL Free Agency and waited until the…