Kaapo Kakko will return to the Rangers series for Saturday’s clash with the Devils after missing the last six games due to the clash with COVID-19.
The 20-year-old winger was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list for the second time this season on February 20 after registering a false positive during his first short period (he missed the game on February 1). Kakko revealed on Friday that he did contract the coronavirus and therefore his absence was much longer this time.
According to practice, Kakko said he was a little sick, but not too bad. ‘
‘I think it’s a little difficult [to get back into game shape], “he added.” I was on the ice with the team [Thursday] and [Friday], so it sometimes takes time, but currently feels good. ‘
After training with the Rangers for the first time during the morning skating before Thursday’s 6-1 win over the Devils, head coach David Quinn said he was still going through the return-to-play protocol and not in eligible to compete.
With another game in Newark scheduled for Saturday night, Kakko is expected to play right on the second line again alongside Chris Kreider and Ryan Strome. Before being placed on the COVID-19 protocol list, Kakko flanked Strome with Alexis Lafreniere, the top overall pick in 2020. But with Lafreniere’s promotion to the top line, Kreider will likely be on the left wing by now.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Kakko, Strome and Kreider recorded only 3:51 ice time together. However, Kreider’s current exciting series of three hat-tricks in the last five games would enable Kakko to get back on track.
In his last five games before going on the list of coronavirus protocol, Kakko generated a bunch of shots on goal and scored more than 17 minutes of ice time every night.
‘Yes, I played well before [going on the list] and I just think of trying to play like that, ”said Kakko. ‘I think it’s coming, just try to keep it [playing] in the same way. That’s it. “