Mika Zibanejad’s line looks to find flow for Rangers after success against Red Wings
Let’s face it, Mika Zibanejad is under the microscope this season with the New York Rangers after a serious drop in production a year ago. And when the top-line center failed to record a point in his first two games, and his line struggled defensively, too, the pressure began to quickly build on Zibanejad.
That’s partly why Zibanejad’s three-point game and strong two-way night for his line stood out in the Rangers’ 4-1 win Monday against the Detroit Red Wings.
Last season saw the top line struggle to find a winger who could complement Zibanejad and Chris Kreider’s style of play. The Rangers rotated in several right wings, including Blake Wheeler, Kaapo Kakko, Jack Roslovic and Jimmy Vesey among others. But the line struggled 5v5 no matter who was on right wing, and Zibanejad dipped to 72 points, 19 fewer than the previous season.
Turning the page on a new season gives the line a chance to try again, this time with offseason trade acquisition Reilly Smith on the right side. The first two games of the regular season didn’t wow, particularly concerning Zibanejad, who had a minus-4 rating against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday. The top line struggled defensively all night, providing leaky coverage in their own end and allowing Utah to continually regain the lead in a back-and-forth game featuring a combined 11 goals.
Zibanejad’s line was held off the score sheet in that one after Kreider contributed two goals (one short-handed) and Smith had an assist in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Only two games into the season, some were beginning to wonder if this could be a repeat of 2023-24 with more shuffling to figure out who could jumpstart the first line 5v5, and Zibanejad in particular.
But a closer look at the line’s statistics shows that it’s been adept at producing scoring chances, but hurt itself by being unable to profit on chances, and giving up opportunities to their opponents. Through three games, they possess nearly 53 percent of total scoring chances and 71 percent of high-danger scoring chances, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Related: Artemi Panarin off to fast start in bid for second 100-point season with Rangers
Mika Zibanejad and linemates shine against Red Wings
The season’s third game Monday against the Red Wings gave the line a chance to capitalize on their chances and strengthen their defensive game. All three members of the top line scored in the 4-1 victory. Zibanejad also provided two assists, had five shots, and posted a plus-2 rating for the game.
Kreider scored his third goal of the season on a power play in the second period, off a slick Zibanejad feed. Smith notched his first goal with the Rangers, assisted by Zibanejad’s face-off win and setup. Zibanejad then finished off the game with an empty-net goal for his first of the season.
When asked if he felt like his line had found their flow, Zibanejad remarked, “I think we’re close to clicking …We’re working on it. We want this to work as much as anyone else. I think it’s frustrating when we don’t connect, but obviously, we’ll keep working on it.”
The line has looked promising in terms of creating chances. The more offensive opportunities they generate for themselves, the better chance they have of capitalizing on it. They looked more conscious of careful play and tightening up their defense. But perhaps most importantly, Zibanejad looked more confident. He won nine of 15 face-offs, attempted a team-high nine shots, and connected with both his linemates for goals.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette was pleased with the line after its performance Monday.
“I thought they played a heck of a game, and tonight they were productive,” Laviolette said postgame.
He also noted that when it comes to improvements, especially around defensive play “it’s early and we continue to work at these things and try to get better at them.”
It is indeed early in the season, but it seems like a positive sign to see Zibanejad taking accountability and actively working to improve his game. The top line hasn’t reached their ceiling yet, but with the Rangers at 2-0-1 to start the season it’s pretty exciting to think what the team will look like when Zibanejad, Kreider, and Smith do find their flow.
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