Fans call for a demotion after Rangers superstar fails to execute early in the season

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Joshua Deeds
October 27, 2024 (7:03 PM)

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The New York Rangers have been one of the best 5-on-5 teams in the NHL, as they have a 6-1-1 record in the NHL.

There's been a troubling statistic for the team though, as they have gone a terrible record of 1 for 10 on their power-play chances.

A statistic that should be a red flag for any team that claims to be a contender needs to be fixed right away.

But, fans are outraged, and maybe, just maybe Peter Laviolette should consider changing up the 1st power-play unit.

Mika Zibanejad may be a huge cog in the machine of the first power-play unit, but he hasn't been turning like he should lately.

During the 2024-2025 season, he had a total of 1 power-play assist during this season, but no goals. That is in ten chances on the power play.

While has 6 points( 2 G, 4 A) in eight games for the Rangers the team will need him to step up to keep the offense running as it should.

Could Alexis Lafreniere, whose been a point-per-game player for the Rangers be the next best answer?

Possibly.

Don't expect Alexis Lafreniere to rock the boat when it comes to his lack of power-play time with the New York Rangers. The emerging NHL star is more focused on becoming a complete player than worrying if he's going to play a bigger role with the man advantage this season.

But that doesn't mean he'd be upset if more power-play opportunities came his way in 2024-25.

«I wouldn't mind it,» Lafreniere said Friday. «I feel like every player wants that. I don't really care about it. I just want to compete and produce.»

Whatever the change is to happen, should happen soon as the team's power-play percentage is currently 25.0% and 9th in the NHL.

They can't be accused of being power-play merchants when the unit isn't even that great can they?

Laviolette should consider a minor shift, as the 1st unit isn't producing as well as it should with Zibanejad on it.