Mike Sullivan’s Will Cuylle gamble at center pays off quickly for Rangers

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan saw his decision to move winger Will Cuylle to third-line center pay off during a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Facing a shortage at center following a long-term injury to Joe Veleno, Sullivan gave Cuylle his first career appearance at the position. Cuylle assisted Oliver Bjorkstrand's goal to make it 2-0 and won three of five face-offs.

Flanked by wingers Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen, Cuylle helped the new third line outshoot the Blues during their shifts. Sullivan also moved Noah Laba to center the fourth line alongside Matt Rempe and Jaroslav Chmelar. Blue Line Station notes that if these restructured forward combinations sustain their success, the Rangers may avoid trading assets to acquire an outside center.