Instead, Kakko’s spark occurred when he skated alongside both Will Cuylle and Jonny Brodzinski for the first time. It wasn’t the role Kakko started with when Laviolette took over.

The necessity for Jonny Brodzinski, the emergence of Will Cuylle and the offensive struggles of Kaapo Kakko have led to the creation of a makeshift third line for the Rangers that has actually ...

Kakko had four goals and three assists in the time he played with Cuylle and Brodzinski and the team went 10-1 before Sunday’s loss to the Blue Jackets in Columbus.

Kaapo Kaako scored a power-play goal with 24 seconds left, and the New York Rangers stopped a five-game slide by topping the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Saturday.

The head coach mentioned that older players have sat as well — citing Reilly Smith and Jonny Brodzinski — and that it’s okay for Kakko to be upset.

To that end, Laviolette promoted Kakko to the top line while dropping Jimmy Vesey to the third line with Will Cuylle and Jonny Brodzinski. The second and fourth lines stayed intact, as did the ...

Jonny Brodzinski and Adam Edström were recalled from AHL Hartford, with Kaapo Kakko heading to long-term injured reserve.

Kaapo Kakko is getting the opportunity he lobbied for on the Blueshirts' top line, but he believes he needs to play better to keep it.

"I got a good chance right before that," Kakko said. " (Jonny Brodzinski) passed it to me behind the net and I couldn't see the puck, so I didn't shoot when I got it. Then I got the chance again ...

The Rangers didn't look like themselves against the Sabres, and there is serious concern after Kakko left the game with an injury.

Jonny Brodzinski and Adam Edström were recalled from AHL Hartford, with Kaapo Kakko heading to long-term injured reserve.

Jonny Brodzinski and Adam Edström were recalled from AHL Hartford, with Kaapo Kakko heading to long-term injured reserve.