No player has more attention on him than Alexis Lafreniere. Entering his fourth season, the former 2020 top pick must prove he’s capable of playing a significant role for the Rangers. So far, so good.

Following a disappointing preseason, the 22-year-old Lafreniere turned the page during Thursday night’s 5-1 win over the Sabres. Starting with Filip Chytil and Artemi Panarin on the second line, he played well enough to merit consideration for one of the game’s three stars. Had there not been some home cooking for lone Buffalo goalscorer J.J. Peterka, Lafreniere likely gets the third star.

Playing on the right side opposite of Panarin, he was a factor throughout the game. On a strong early shift, Lafreniere was the recipient of a Panarin dish across for the Rangers’ first goal of the season. On a quick transition started by Chytil, Panarin got to his own rebound and found a driving Lafreniere for the game’s first goal. He was in the right place at the right time.

Even better, the new scoring line showed early chemistry during the game. They dominated most shifts at five-on-five by out-attempting their opponents 14-4. Total shots favored the trio 10-1. They factored in on two of Rangers’ goals.

During the second period with the Rangers ahead by two, a disciplined Lafreniere forced Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin into a turnover in the neutral zone. He was in the right position to catch Dahlin by surprise. He bodied up Dahlin to take away the puck. Then, he kicked it off a Sabres captain Kyle Okposo towards Panarin, who went in and beat Devon Levi for a 3-0 lead.

Before the key defensive play that led to Panarin scoring his 100th goal aa a Ranger, Lafreniere nearly had his second of the game. On a great dangle, he went around a Sabre and tried to beat Levi in close. But the Buffalo rookie made a good save to deny the bid.

Throughout the game, Lafreniere showed more confidence in his decision-making. He skated with purpose and was noticeable during shifts. A welcome change from preseason. He finished the game with three shots-on-goal, a hit, and the key takeaway that created the crucial third goal.

Lafreniere also filled in for Chytil by taking draws. With Chytil unable to, Lafreniere did well in the face-off dot by going 4 for 5. Last season, he took 76 and went 28 and 48. He did a nice job last night.

During the postgame, coach Peter Laviolette was pleased with Lafreniere’s play. He pointed towards the Canadian forward’s improvement in the last two practices leading up the season opener.

“To me, he took a step from those practices and brought it into the game. I thought that line was excellent,” he told reporters after the game. It showed that Lafreniere is putting the work in. He’s adjusting to what Laviolette wants to see. If that includes him playing his off wing to help the Rangers be successful, so be it.

Lafreniere’s strong game didn’t go unnoticed. After sacrificing his body by blocking eight shots, Rangers captain Jacob Trouba recognized his younger teammate by presenting him with the Broadway hat. It is an honor for the player who gets it because it demonstrates what the team is all about.

What makes it more special is that Lafreniere recently celebrated his 22nd birthday. He blew the candles out the day before last night’s win. He gave himself a good birthday present with the first goal, which should be a confidence booster. It showed in how he played.

His teammates also presented him with a birthday cake on Wednesday. It’s not a bad way to start the season. Lafreniere was all business in the winning locker room afterward.

“I think we played pretty well. Just try to be consistent this year. Everyone’s trying to learn as quick as we can. It was good today. The neutral zone was good. We created offense with it.

“It was good to get one early,” he said regarding his goal. “I didn’t do much on it. But great play by Bread. And when you play with guys like Bread, you just try to get open, and he’s gonna find you. That’s what I tried to do today. … Just try to not think too much and have fun.”

The final point is a good one. Lafreniere can’t put too much pressure on himself. Undoubtedly, it’s an important year. However, he’s always been a team oriented guy. It isn’t about individual statistics. It’s about improving and helping the team win games. Having fun matters. He looked like he did.

Of course, the Rangers want to see better results for Lafreniere. That’s why Laviolette is using him on the second line opposite Panarin with former Kid Line center Chytil. There should be familiarity. He and Chytil had good chemistry when they played with Kaapo Kakko. If they can make it work with Panarin, that would go a long way to a successful season.

The coach has made a commitment to his younger players. With Kakko playing on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, the former Kid Line are all playing in the top six. A stark contrast from the previous season. None are on the first power play. However, the second unit was used more than at any point under Gerard Gallant. That bodes well.

Laviolette also had to like what he saw from neophyte Will Cuylle. The former second round pick was active during shifts. By playing him on the third line with Vincent Trocheck and Blake Wheeler, it shows confidence in what the 21-year-old can do. He definitely isn’t shy about throwing his weight around. Ask Owen Power.

It’s only one game. But for one night, the Laviolette Blueshirts came to play. It started with Lafreniere. We’ll see what materializes.

Derek

Kovy274hart@yahoo.com

Twitter: NewYorkPuck