TAMPA, Fla. – The residents of New York have a profound appreciation for their cuisine, with few communities being as devoted to preserving their culinary heritage as the Italian-Americans in the area.
In this region, the act of putting ketchup on pasta, a habit attributed to Alex Wennberg, was considered a serious transgression, as highlighted by the Seattle Kraken on social media shortly before trading him to the Rangers.
“Did you catch that as well?” inquired the 29-year-old forward with a smile after the morning skate at Amalie Arena on Thursday. “That’s probably why I got moved.”
Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, Wennberg jokingly referred to it as “the most stereotypically Swedish thing ever.” However, to the relief of the tri-state community, Wennberg confirmed that he has since abandoned this controversial practice upon his relocation to New York.
“I wasn’t aware it was a problem until I got here,” he remarked with a chuckle. “I’ve actually stopped doing that because it seems to bother people.”
Wennberg appears to be an individual who swiftly adapts to his environment and comprehends his role with ease.
Having already established a new residence in the New York suburbs with his wife, Felicia, who is currently 38 weeks pregnant, and their young son, Wennberg has utilized the current three-game road trip to acquaint himself with his new teammates. He mentioned being on high alert for “emergency calls” as Felicia’s due date approaches.
These adaptable qualities extend seamlessly to his performance on the ice.
In the quest for a third-line center, the Rangers identified the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Wennberg as a desirable candidate due to his dedication as a defensive forward possessing a versatile skill set suitable for various in-game scenarios.
He acknowledges the significance of his versatility and willingly sets aside personal accolades to fulfill team requirements.
“I believe there’s a lot of effort behind it, and I think it’s something that has developed over the years,” Wennberg expressed. “Perhaps in the past, I aimed to score more goals. However, ultimately, it’s all about contributing to the team’s success. I believe this mindset has helped me discover what works best for me.”
Wennberg’s evolution commenced during his teenage years playing in the Swedish Hockey League and progressed further when he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he received coaching from the demanding John Tortorella.
Even during his tenure with the Seattle Kraken, Wennberg found himself in a system focused on structure and defensive solidity, an experience that shaped him into what Rangers coach Peter Laviolette describes as “a real good two-way centerman.”
Laviolette elaborated, stating, “He continues to produce offensively, but he is notably reliable in the defensive zone and has the ability to stabilize a line effectively.”
This is precisely what Wennberg has achieved in his initial three games with the Blueshirts.
Laviolette paired young forwards Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko with the seasoned Wennberg, deploying them against formidable opponent lines. This trio outshot their adversaries from St. Louis, New Jersey, and Carolina by a combined 20-7 margin, as per Natural Stat Trick. The Rangers emerged victorious in all three matchups, conceding only one goal in total.
Laviolette praised their performance, stating, “They’ve provided stability as a line. They’re generating positive statistics and scoring opportunities. I think they’ve performed admirably. Overall, our lines have been strong in the past few games, and we are pleased with our current form, especially following the arrivals of Wennberg and Jack Roslovic.”
Key Points:
The presence of a dependable third line has alleviated pressure on New York’s top-six forwards, allowing Laviolette to rotate all four lines more freely—a crucial asset with the playoffs looming on the horizon.
The trio of Cuylle, Wennberg, and Kakko, while yet to score a five-on-five goal (Wennberg assisted Kakko’s power-play goal against the Blues), have displayed offensive potential that narrowly missed materializing into goals.
Wennberg, maintaining a career average of 0.48 points per game, views this as a promising start, emphasizing the effective synergy among the three forwards with distinct skill sets.
He highlighted the diverse strengths within the line, stating, “Kakko’s puck-handling skills are exceptional. His agility and precise plays are evident. Then there’s Cuylle, who excels in front of the net with a strong shot.”
Wennberg’s amalgamation of speed, defensive prowess, and quick reflexes has made a noticeable impact, with his hockey IQ being deemed his most valuable asset in the new lineup.
“I believe my greatest strength lies in my strategic awareness on the ice, anticipating plays,” Wennberg remarked. “While I possess a decent shot and strong skating abilities, I consider my ability to read plays as my primary asset.”
His astute game sense positioned Wennberg as a go-to player for matchups in Seattle, leading all Kraken forwards in average ice time this season at 18:49 per game.
Although his usage may be slightly reduced on the talent-rich Rangers roster, Wennberg appears content with his role. He anticipates handling challenging assignments while providing a much-needed boost to the team’s bottom six.
This enhancement in depth has extended the team’s lineup while placing Wennberg in a role that appears tailor-made for his skill set. Should he continue to deliver this level of impact, even the steadfast New Yorkers may overlook his previous ketchup-on-pasta debacle. (Maybe.)
“I believe I’m the type of individual who adapts, identifies their role, and strives to excel within it,” Wennberg affirmed. “If a specific style of play is required, I will make every effort to fulfill that role.”