For the first time in a long time, the Rangers have an actual fourth line. Not just a line that eats some minutes while getting caved in. They have a real fourth line that can do some damage. Kevin Rooney was a great signing so far, and Julien Gauthier is showing he belongs in the NHL. But the glue on this line is Brendan Lemieux, who is turning into an elite fourth liner for the Rangers.
Underlying Stats
Lemieux is never going to be a huge scorer. That’s not his skill set. His value is in driving play, limiting quality against, and drawing penalties. He currently sits 3rd on the team (among forwards) in xGF% at 54.68%. This is accomplished by pushing the play offensively (2.6 xGF/60 – 2nd) and limiting quality against (2.04 xGA/60 – 7th).
The above checks out, albeit in a limited sample size this season. The Rangers have been better with Lemieux on the ice, both offensively and defensively. While this season does have a small sample size, Rob put the below in the group chat, to show his Game Score has been rising sharply this season.
Lemieux has been a steady presence throughout his young career. There’s going to be dips, naturally, but the trend is definitely in the right direction. He’s been a stabilizing force on the fourth line.
Penalty Differential
One of Lemieux’s best contributions is in his penalty differential. This year Lemieux’s penalty differential is even (3 minors taken, 3 drawn). Throughout his career, he’s always drawn more penalties than he’s taken. Last season he took 1.5 penalties/60, but drew 1.8 penalties/60.
Over the past three seasons, Lemieux is best in the league at drawing penalties. That’s right, he’s #1 in the entire league, drawing 2/23 penalties/60. He’s a pest, but he’s a good pest that stays within the rules and forces others to take penalties against him. This is an under appreciated skill set.
The Little Things
COACHES: Here is a perfect clip to show your kids about the right way to check along the wall. The NYR player uses his body to separate the BOS player's hands from the puck, gets possession…and then makes a great play for the goal. Textbook. pic.twitter.com/Ef2aB2fi94
— Topher Scott (@HockeyThinkTank) February 11, 2021
I came across this right as this post published. It’s a great video worth looking at and noting in future games. This is what makes Lemieux so dangerous and effective. He knows how to use his body to create separation. This in turn creates chances. It’s plays like this that show up in the charts above.
This is a prime example of Conall’s post on cutting off the hands.
Between the underlying stats, the penalty differential, and the overall game play, Brendan Lemieux has emerged as an elite fourth liner for the Rangers. He can also survive playing up in the lineup, a rare quality for most players. Lemieux is one of those players that helps the Rangers manage losing Jesper Fast, and is likely going to be a beloved Ranger for the long haul.
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