Rangers observations: Matt Rempe needs to be smart, Zac Jones wants to play, and the 1-3-1 is returning – The Athletic

Matt Rempe is a promising young forward for the Rangers, but to secure a spot on the roster, he will need to refine certain aspects of his game. Rempe is known for his size and physicality, which can be an asset in the NHL, but his playing style also requires a level of intelligence and decision-making that will determine his success at the highest level.

• Physical Attributes: Rempe is a big player, which can make him a tough presence in front of the net, along the boards, and during physical confrontations. However, size alone isn’t enough to earn consistent ice time in the NHL. The modern game emphasizes speed, skill, and hockey IQ.
• Smart Play: In order to make an impact, Rempe will need to focus on being strategic with his physicality. This means using his body to win puck battles and make space for his teammates, while also being cautious not to take unnecessary penalties. His positioning on the ice, especially in defensive and neutral zone situations, will be key. If he can find a way to integrate his size and physicality into smart, effective plays that contribute both offensively and defensively, he could prove valuable to the Rangers’ bottom-six forward group.
• Adapting to NHL Pace: The transition from the AHL or junior leagues to the NHL is often a difficult one for players, particularly for those who rely on size and physicality. Rempe will need to adjust his game to the speed and skill level of the NHL, improving his decision-making with the puck and without it. Building chemistry with linemates and showing the ability to read plays quickly will be essential.

In summary, Rempe’s future with the Rangers will depend heavily on his ability to combine his physical presence with a higher hockey IQ and smarter decisions on the ice. If he can do this, he’ll earn the trust of the coaching staff and secure more regular ice time.

2. Zac Jones Wants to Play

Zac Jones is a young defenseman who has shown promise in limited NHL appearances. However, like many young players, his path to a full-time role in the NHL isn’t guaranteed. For Jones, much of his focus will be on carving out a spot in the Rangers’ defense corps, especially given the team’s depth at the position.

• Offensive Potential: Jones is a mobile defenseman with offensive upside, and he has the ability to move the puck effectively. His skating ability allows him to join the rush and contribute offensively, something that could be beneficial for a Rangers team that likes to play a fast, transition-based style. However, Jones’ ability to maintain consistency in his defensive play has been a topic of concern. He needs to improve his positioning and defensive zone awareness to compete for a regular spot.
• Competition on Defense: The Rangers’ blue line is crowded, with several established veterans and other younger defensemen vying for playing time. Jones is competing for minutes against players like K’Andre Miller, Adam Fox, and others who are all highly skilled. To make the lineup, Jones needs to continue to refine his defensive game while capitalizing on his offensive skills, making him a more complete and reliable option in the eyes of the coaching staff.
• Desire to Play: As the article suggests, Jones is eager to contribute more. His desire to play regularly is understandable, and this hunger could drive him to work even harder to prove he belongs. Whether that means taking on more responsibility in the defensive zone or continuing to excel on the power play, Jones will need to show growth in all areas of his game to secure a more prominent role.

3. The Return of the 1-3-1

The 1-3-1 defensive system is a structure that has seen success in the NHL at various times, particularly in situations where a team needs to protect a lead or clog up the neutral zone. This system typically features one defender deep, a second defender at the blue line, and three forwards who form a line across the neutral zone.

• Defensive Structure: The 1-3-1 system is designed to limit the opponent’s ability to transition the puck and gain speed through the neutral zone. By creating a wall of four players, it forces the opposing team to dump the puck in or try to play around the defensive setup. This can be effective in certain situations, particularly when a team has a lead and wants to prevent high-danger chances.
• Potential Benefits for the Rangers: For the Rangers, implementing the 1-3-1 could provide additional stability in their defensive game, especially against teams that are fast and skilled in transition. With players like Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba on the back end, the Rangers have defensemen who are capable of running this system effectively. Additionally, the speed of players like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad could be utilized in the neutral zone to transition the puck quickly after gaining possession.
• Adapting the System: While the 1-3-1 can be effective, it’s not without its risks. The Rangers would need to ensure their players are disciplined in maintaining their structure, as a breakdown in coverage can lead to odd-man rushes or high-quality scoring chances. Additionally, the system requires the forwards to play a disciplined and responsible game, not just focusing on offense, but on positioning and puck support as well.
• Offensive Impact: One potential downside of a 1-3-1 system is that it can sometimes limit offensive opportunities, especially if the Rangers are too conservative in their approach. However, if the team can strike the right balance between defensive responsibility and aggressive forechecking, it could work in their favor. The system could also help in situations like protecting a lead late in games or killing penalties, when keeping the puck away from dangerous areas becomes a top priority.

In conclusion, the return of the 1-3-1 system represents an opportunity for the Rangers to shore up their defensive play while continuing to be competitive offensively. It will require discipline, structure, and a commitment to team defense, but with the right personnel, it could become a key element in the Rangers’ defensive strategy moving forward.

Final Thoughts

In summary, The Athletic article touches on key elements that will affect the New York Rangers as they navigate their season. Matt Rempe’s development as a smart, reliable forward will be crucial to his NHL career, while Zac Jones’ desire to play and contribute could see him grow into a more prominent role if he can refine his defensive game. Finally, the return of the 1-3-1 defensive structure provides the Rangers with a tool to bolster their defensive capabilities and potentially control games better.

The blend of young talent and defensive adjustments will likely be significant storylines for the Rangers as they attempt to compete at the highest level in the NHL. Whether it’s through player development or tactical evolution, these areas will play a vital role in shaping the team’s success this season.