As the NHL breaks for two weeks for the 4-Nations Faceoff, it’s key for the New York Rangers players participating to continue to build the momentum they had before the break in NHL play. The Rangers have an impressive six players participating in the tournament, with Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck, Adam Fox, and J.T. Miller playing for the United States, Mika Zibanejad with Sweden, and Urho Vaakanainen for Finland.
Fox and Zibanejad were among the first four players announced for their respective countries last June. Kreider, Trocheck, and Miller were named to Team USA’s roster in December, and Vaakanainen was a late addition to Finland’s roster following injuries to Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpaa of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Rangers arrived at the break 11th in the Eastern Conference, three games out oft he second wild card. These six players played a big role in helping get the Rangers back on track after brutal months in November and December. But what can each take from this international playing experience that will benefit themselves and the Rangers moving forward?
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What Rangers players can accomplish at 4 Nations Face-Off
Mika Zibanejad—gain confidence
There’s no doubt that Zibanejad has been off his game most of this season. Not only is he not producing nearly enough offensively with 37 points in 55 games, but his defense has been terrible, with a current plus/minus rating of minus-24, the lowest in his career. Though Zibanejad has seen a recent resurgence with eight points (two goals, six assists) in the past five games, it’s clear he still needs to rebuild his confidence.
It’s possible that playing with a completely different group of players in the 4 Nations will spark some creativity and confidence in Zibanejad. It appears he will skate on a line with 40-goal scorer William Nylander, and Rickard Rakell who’s closing in on another 30-goal season. That’s an exciting prospect for Zibanejad.
But just the chance to represent his home country has Zibanejad juiced — he said this week he feels “like a kid again.” After so much angst this season in New York, perhaps he can return refreshed and more confident from this tournament, assuming it goes well for him.
Adam Fox—shoot more
After he a career high in goals last season (17), Fox’s lack of goal-scoring has hurt the Rangers this season. The 2020-21 Norris Trophy winner as top NHL defenseman has scored four goals this season, two of which are empty-netters. Though Fox is a brilliant passer, he has a wicked, accurate shot, something the Rangers haven’t seen him use nearly enough. Hopefully playing on this big stage will encourage Fox to try shoot more, try and be a difference maker with his shot — especially with Quinn Hughes injured, leaving more power-play responsibility on Fox’s shoulders.
J.T. Miller—build chemistry with new Rangers teammates
The Rangers are well represented on Team USA and with Miller’s recent return to Broadway, it’s key for him to continue to develop relationships and chemistry with Kreider, Trocheck and Fox. Miller played with Kreider in his first stint with the Rangers, but it’s been almost seven years since they’ve been on the same team, and admittedly both have grown significantly since they last played together in 2018. It’s been a great story about Miller growing up with and now living with Trocheck, but friendships off-ice don’t always mean success on it.
The 4-Nations provides a unique opportunity for Miller to get familiar with Kreider, Trocheck, and Fox, on and off the ice. Miller said as much this week, referring to building a “friendship and a bond” with them.
Urho Vaakanainen—make most of it
A late addition to Finland’s roster, it’s up in the air what Vaakanainen’s role will be on the injury-ravaged roster for Finland. He could be an extra or might be play his typical third-pair role on defense, as he does with the Rangers. No matter what, he should make the most of this experience. It’s an honor to represent your country, no matter your role on the team.
Certainly, the Rangers would love to see Vaakanainen play important minutes against the best players in the world. That experience would only benefit him and make him more valuable to the Rangers during the stretch run. Let’s see when Finland opens up against the United States on Thursday.
Vincent Trocheck—don’t get hurt
Trocheck has been one of the best players on a supremely disappointing Rangers team this season. With that in mind, it’ll be hard to make a push for the playoffs if Trocheck gets hurt. So, simply, this is a wish more than a goal: don’t get hurt Vinnie.
Trocheck is a massive presence offensively and defensively, on the power play and penalty kill. He sits second in the NHL for face-off win percentage. He is invaluable to the Rangers on the ice and is a key spokesperson and leader off it.
He’s also a hard-nose player and will give all he has to Team USA, likely in more of a checking role against the best players in the world. The experience should benefit him greatly — and the Rangers, as well — as long as he returns to Broadway healthy.
Chris Kreider— rest his back with limited role
Kreider is largely considered to be the 13th forward for Team USA and it’s clear that his place in the lineup is a big question mark. Kreider has been fighting a back injury much of this season, so perhaps a lesser role or playing some, not all, of the games in this tournament is a good thing for him. He still gets to wear the United States sweater some, but can give his aching back a rest too.
Team USA coach Mike Sullivan should give Kreider a good look as a special-teams specialist. So, maybe that’s a fourth-line role alongside Trocheck. But let him make a difference on the power play and penalty kill. Let’s see what Sullivan has in mind. For now, it appears Kreider is the odd man out when the United States opens up against Finland on Thursday.
