Neither Kaapo Kakko, taken second overall in 2019, nor Alexis Lafreniere, the following year’s top pick, were immediate stars for the Rangers ...

Evaluating the progress of Rangers youngsters Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière Kappo Kakko (left) and Alexis Lafrenière of the Rangers. Credit: Brad Penner | Christian Petersen/Getty Images ...

The metrics under the hood tell a curious story centered on one basic fact: Kakko and his linemates are on a shooting hot streak while Lafreniere and his linemates are in a shooting slump.

There may be a lot of criticism thrown Kaapo Kakko's way, but he is still young and Rangers fans shouldn't give up on him just yet.

Rangers coach Gerard Gallant had yet to move Kakko down in the lineup, which represented a different approach than he'd taken with 2020 No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafrenière.

There may be a lot of criticism thrown Kaapo Kakko's way, but he is still young and Rangers fans shouldn't give up on him just yet.

Neither Kakko nor Lafreniere knows Hughes particularly well. Though Kakko and Hughes were both in Vancouver doing the pre-draft media availabilities and such, they didn’t really mingle much.

Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière have been under the spotlight as young New York Rangers for the last few seasons. The second overall pick in 2019 and first overall pick in 2020 respectively ...

Can Kakko and Lafrenière become reliable supporting players and help give the Rangers their best chance at contending?

Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko scored goals just over two minutes apart, jumpstarting a 5-2 victory at the Washington Capitals on Sunday to snap a two-game skid.

Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko scored goals just over two minutes apart, jumpstarting a 5-2 victory at the Washington Capitals on Sunday to snap a two-game skid.