Rangers Roundup: Alexis Lafreniere got help from his sister, NHL realignment and what it means for the Blueshirts
Alexis Lafreniere is no different than any player in the NHL. He didn’t just make it here on talent alone. Lafreniere had help in the form of his parents and coaches. He also got a huge lift from his sister.
Alexis Lafreniere grateful for sister Lori-Jane
In an amazing feature written by Mollie Walker of the NY Post, Lori-Jane talks of her love for Alexis. As young siblings, she was her brother’s first goalie as they stacked Kleenex boxes to make a goal.
“I know I did a lot of things for my brother’s career because I always saw the potential he had, but I never considered anything I did for him a sacrifice.”
Lori-Jane Lafreniere
Through a French-Canadian translator, Lori-Jane explained how she wanted to help her brother achieve his goals. She also never looked at it as a sacrifice. In turn, Alexis is clear that his sister’s dreams are as important to him as are his own.
To read the full story, check out Mollie’s work here.
NHL realignment puts Rangers in a tough spot
There has been a lot of talk around the hockey world about when the NHL will start next season. As of right now, the league is holding firm to a January 1 date.
Related: NHL start date at risk due to COVID-19 spike
Over at The Daily Goal Horn I took my first crack at what realignment will look like for next year.
CANADIAN DIVISION: Canadiens, Canucks, Flames, Jets, Maple Leaf, Oilers, and Senators.
CENTRAL DIVISION: Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Blues, Hurricanes, Lightning, Panthers, Red Wings and Wild.
WESTERN DIVISION: Avalanche, Ducks, Coyotes, Kings, Knights, Predators, Sharks, and Stars.
EASTERN DIVISION: Bruins, Capitials, Devils, Flyers, Islanders, Penguins, Rangers, and Sabres.
The East Division has the least amount of travel but could also be the toughest. It is loaded with the biggest and meanest rivalries dating back to the old Patrick Division.
What does this mean for the Rangers? A tough road to make it to the playoffs. If the Blueshirts are forced to only compete against these teams only, it will be hard to make the post-season.
Aside from the Buffalo Sabres and to a degree the NJ Devils, the rest of the division is stacked. Add in the fact there are three perennial Cup contenders in Boston, Washington, and Pittsburgh making it that much harder.
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