Mika Zibanejad expresses his frustration about limited ice time after slow star to the season
Mika Zibanejad has been a superstar for the Rangers for years now, but this season has saw an unfortunate decline in his production.
He and linemates Chris Kreider, and Reilly Smith would see a reduction in minutes as Head Coach Peter Laviolette has to prioritize the right units to win.
While the Rangers consider themselves contenders for the Stanley Cup for the 2024-2025 season, they arguably are with a 6-2-1 record and have Igor Shesterkin as the netminder.
The line of Chris Kreider, Reilly Smith, and Mika Zibanejadd have not been one of the positives in the lineup. Zibanejad was one of the Rangers squad who was called out by a veteran for his lack of work ethic on the ice.
He's failed to find his game and hasn't been the same 90+ point player since the 2022-2023 season. He's been frustrated with his play and realized how the reduction in minutes and responsibility feels.
The line of Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad just hasn't produced like they used to, and have been defensively sluggish, giving up 3 goals in 5v5 play. Laviolette is doing what he has to do in order to win.
With Zibanejad's line terrible play recently he was asked about his reduction in time on ice, and would of course answer the same way.
«We haven't had one of those games where everything goes in,» he said.
The Washington Capitals would soundly defeat the Rangers 5-3 last night, and the team was outplayed. Shesterkin would attempt to give the team a chance making 41 saves on 45 shots, with 4 goals against.
Kreider and Zibenejad's performance would give Laviolette another reason to keep this move as the new status quo.
Kreider(1 goal) and Zibanejad(1 assist) would get on the scorecard but fail to come in clutch to mount a comeback. That's something you expect superstars to do, and if they continue down this road, could they be the new third line in New York?
Stranger things have happened before.
Chris Kreider has 6 points this season, with 27 shots on goal, 2 power-play points, and 2 blocks.
Mika Zibanejad has 7 points( 2 G, 5 A) with 19 shots on goal, 2 power-play points, and 4 blocks.
Reilly Smith has 6 points( 2 G, 4 A), with 15 shots on goal, 1 power-play points, and 7 points.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Rangers 2nd line of Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Reilly Smith could be demoted to the 3rd soon? | ||
| Yes | 272 | 55.9 % |
| No | 215 | 44.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
