Vincent Trocheck from the Rangers downplayed the significance of the upcoming matchup against the Hurricanes, labeling it as “just another series.” Trocheck, who previously played for Carolina from the 2019-20 season through the 2021-22 season before signing with the Rangers, joked that there were other players available to speak to reporters. However, he acknowledged that this series is crucial for the Rangers to reach their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Trocheck has been an invaluable player for the Rangers, contributing in various aspects of the game. He centers one of their key lines in five-on-five situations, plays a central role on the power play, and is a key player on the penalty kill. In his two years with the Rangers, Trocheck has played in all 164 regular-season games, showcasing his durability and reliability.
After signing a seven-year, $39.375 million contract with the Rangers in 2022, Trocheck had the best season of his career, scoring 25 goals and recording a career-high 52 assists for a total of 77 points. He also averaged a career-high 21.27 minutes of ice time per game and had a career-high 86 blocked shots. Trocheck has carried his success into the postseason, tallying three goals and three assists in the Rangers’ four-game sweep of the Washington Capitals. He also won an impressive 72 percent of his faceoffs during that series.
While Trocheck tries to downplay the significance of facing his former teammates, he acknowledges that he has played against them multiple times since leaving Carolina. In their previous encounters, Trocheck has yet to score a goal against his former team but has contributed two assists.
Although Trocheck remains in contact with some of his former Carolina teammates and considers them close friends, he prefers to keep those relationships private. He also acknowledges the personal connections in this series, with Rangers coach Peter Laviolette having coached in Carolina for four seasons, leading the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup victory. The current coach of the Hurricanes is Rod Brind’Amour, who played for Laviolette’s Cup-winning team and coached Trocheck during his time in Carolina. Trocheck praises both coaches for their similar approaches to the game and their emphasis on the family aspect of the team.
Laviolette speaks highly of Brind’Amour’s coaching abilities, noting that his teams consistently play the right way and exhibit a strong work ethic. As a player, Laviolette recalls Brind’Amour’s excellent leadership skills, particularly during their Cup-winning season.
Overall, while Trocheck may downplay the significance of this series, it is clear that it holds personal connections and importance for both him and the Rangers. With Trocheck’s contributions on the ice and the Rangers’ determination to win the Stanley Cup, this matchup against the Hurricanes will undoubtedly be one to watch.
