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The New York Rangers have been juggling forwards on their fourth line throughout the season, partly due to injuries like that of center Joe Veleno. Veleno's absence has opened the door for several players, including Cole Beaudoin, Justin Dowling, Luke Glendening, and even winger Will Cuylle, to attempt to fill the void at center. Head coach Mike Sullivan has also been searching for the right wingers to complete the bottom-six forward group.
Tye Kartye, who started the season as the No. 4 left winger, has since moved up to the second line, pushing Gabe Perreault into a middle-six role at times and Eeli Tolvanen to the bottom six. Finding a consistent right wing has been more difficult. Matt Rempe was in the lineup on opening night, and Jaroslav Chmelar got a chance after that but was sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack. Now back with the Rangers, Chmelar is capitalizing on his latest opportunity.
"I took a lot of time to think about that when I was in Hartford," Chmelar said, via Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic. "I was on a mission to find my game and play to my strengths, and I think I brought that back up here."
In his first stint with New York to begin the season, Chmelar appeared in seven games and made little impact, recording no points and a plus/minus of -2. However, in the four games since his return, his performance has been significantly stronger. In the team's latest game against the Edmonton Oilers, he logged only 6:44 of ice time but was the only player to beat goaltender Devon Levi, who stopped 30 of 31 shots in a 3-1 final. Chmelar's goal was short-handed, as he exited the penalty box, received a long pass from Mika Zibanejad, and scored. It marked his second consecutive game with a goal, having also scored in the first game of the road trip against the Seattle Kraken.
Sullivan has been seeking four-line performance and production throughout the lineup all season, and Chmelar is starting to provide that with two goals in as many games despite a combined 16:33 of ice time. While the goals draw the most attention, he is also contributing in other areas with five hits and one blocked shot. He is quickly becoming a reliable fourth-line option for Sullivan and should continue to receive opportunities.
Key Analysis
Chmelar's recent surge comes at a crucial time for the Rangers, who have struggled to find consistency in their bottom-six forwards. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a physical presence could solidify his role and provide Sullivan with a dependable option moving forward.