His Slow Start Can Be Explained
The Rangers are sitting very pretty in first place in the Metropolitan Division, with an 11-2-1 record.
They sit, point percentage wise, only behind the Boston Bruins.
However, something that gets talked about quite a bit as a weakness to the Rangers is their lack of production from the top line.
Specifically, the slow start from Mika Zibanejad.
Granted, Mika Zibanejad has been playing very well this season, scoring two goals and eight assists for 10 points total.
Not only that, he has been a presence on the team with his passing ability and shot creation.
He just hasn't been lucky getting the puck on net. But it is attributed to a trend he's been on for the last five seasons.
The November slump is real, posting his lowest point per game average in that month.
Only explanation I could give is maybe it takes longer for him to get into season form than others, hence the slow start.
Head coach Peter Laviolette thinks it's only a matter of time until Zibanejad gets it going:
Laviolette is right, it is only a matter of time.
If the Rangers are still playing this well despite the slow production start from Zibanejad, just wait until he starts to heat up.
Showcase what the team is really capable of, and it's exciting to think of.
