The most important thing to know about hockey chemistry is that it is not science. Rather it is an undefinable mixture of preparation, communication, instinct and work ethic.
Or else, perhaps it’s just as Professor Artem Anisimov explained it when asked why his line featuring Derek Stepan in the middle and Marian Gaborik on the right is evolving into such a perfect union by saying, “I don’t know; we just play hockey.”
They play hockey with three working and thinking as one, merging their talents to create off the rush, rather than play dump-and-chase, aided immeasurably by the re-identification of Gaborik as a world-class goal-scorer after a season in which an imposter inhabited the Rangers’ No. 10 jersey.
“I don’t think I’ve changed my game a whole lot. It’s just that I’m trying to move a lot to be in position to get the puck and then when I do get it, I look to move it quickly so I can get it back,” Gaborik said following yesterday’s practice in preparation for tonight’s Garden match against the Islanders. “The three of us are always moving, always looking to give-and-go, and we always have a guy down behind the net while we circle.
“Nobody’s standing still and waiting. We’re supporting one another. It’s all about support. And confidence.”
Gaborik has recorded nine goals in his last 11 games, 19 in 31 overall, just one behind league leader Steven Stamkos prior to last night’s matches. Stepan has 13 points (3-10) in his last 13 games, including his three-assist performance in New Jersey on Tuesday. Anisimov has nine points (5-4) in his last nine matches.
“I think that our lines moves its feet and plays hard all the time, and in doing that we generate space for one another,” said Stepan, who is accelerating his emergence as a force in his sophomore season. “The biggest thing is that we work so hard to get the puck, and that allows us to use our skills.
“I think we see the game the same way, but I think that’s basically the case with everyone in our locker room and in that I mean that we all want to play a hard game and take advantage of that philosophy to create offensive chances.”
Stepan played about a quarter of his rookie season centering Gaborik. A year ago, the fit wasn’t quite there. But after being reunited in Game 10 this year, the center and winger have acquitted themselves quite well.
“I understand the league a little bit more,” Stepan said. “I wouldn’t say I have a full grasp of it yet, but I have a better idea of what works and what doesn’t.
“I’m more confident of my ability to make plays and get the puck to Gabby instead of trying to force it to him every time the way I was last year. I think that’s the biggest difference for me playing with him.”
“Both Artie and Step see the game very well,” said Gaborik. “Artie is a skilled guy, who can skate and take a guy one-on-one and in a lot of ways, because I think Europeans see the game the same way, he and I understand each other.
“Step’s really smart out there. He works hard, he thinks and he’s patient with the puck, he won’t just get rid of it. He can handle the puck, make moves and skate at the same time, and that makes us all faster, you know what I mean?”
Of course. It allows the line to just play hockey.