New York Rangers: Oscar Lindberg Stuck in Bottom Six
After a strong rookie season, Oscar Lindberg has struggled to regain both his previous form and his spot in the lineup.
During this past off-season, general manager Jeff Gorton was able to transform the roster from a slow, over-aged group to a team with speed throughout the lineup. One of the only standout youngsters from last season was Oscar Lindberg. After getting off to a scalding start, Lindberg significantly cooled off. He ended the year playing in only 68 of 82, putting up 13 goals, 15 assists for 28 points.
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
As for this season, Lindberg has had trouble cracking the roster. Through 25 games, he’s only been dressed for 11 games, posting only a single assist and minus-2 rating. Lindberg’s struggles can be attributed to both the team’s newfound depth and his own injuries.
New Additions
Last season, Lindberg was used at each forward position across the bottom nine. This season head coach Alain Vigneault has preferred to roll four offensively minded lines headlined by new additions Michael Grabner and Brandon Pirri.
Both Grabner and Pirri quickly slotted into the line-up in multiple facets early on: Grabner on the penalty kill and Pirri on the power play. They both showed particular skills that were accentuated by being on the ice in different roles. Lindberg’s situation only stands to worsen as the time goes by as other new players get healthy. Newcomer Josh Jooris, a faceoff specialist and possession driver, recently worked his way back into the line up from injury. Youngster Pavel Buchnevich remains on the shelf as his back spasms are yet to subside however, his inevitable return will push Lindberg even further down the depth chart.
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Injury Troubles
Lindberg missed 14 games last season to a combination of injuries and the rare scratch. His injuries culminated to Lindberg requiring hip surgery over the off-season. Although the surgery was successful, Lindberg was not present at regular training camp. The lack of training camp has been apparent as his play has seemed under his par from last season. Even in his 11 games played, the rust still has not been shaken off, leaving him in a diminished role insofar.
So, Where Does Lindberg Fit in this Roster?
Oscar Lindberg’s poor play has pushed him into a bottom six role, and he projects to stay there. New players that have joined the team are playing hungrier, faster hockey, and Lindberg has not been able to play up to their level. Recently, Lindberg has been getting some more ice time thanks to other players’ injuries, but don’t be surprised to see him in the press box once they return to the ice.
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