New York Rangers Mika Zibanejad finds a sense of confidence despite awkward fit with J.T. Miller
Photo credit: Athlon Sports
The New York Rangers have placed Mika Zibanejad in a new role. His new linemate is J.T. Miller on the first line. It's paid off for Peter Laviolette, and the team.
Instead of slotting in as a center, Peter Laviolette decided to shift priorities and place Mika Zibanejad on J.T. Miller's right side.
Laviolette chose to prioritize his playing time, rather than just cutting his minutes, so he shifted him to the wing.
A move that gives Zibanejad a fresh start in the Rangers lineup.
«You move down the lineup you start to lose minutes,» Laviolette said. «Just trying to keep some players on the top two lines, it allows more minutes, more reps, more time on ice. I didn't want to lose anybody, so I ended up making adjustments.»
This also gives the Rangers flexibility on the face-offs, as the two get to alternate at the circle.
While some players may take this as a slight against them, Zibanejad has instead taken it in stride.
«I think it's easier to play with another centerman,» Zibanejad said. «Just for the faceoffs, it's nice to have him on my weak side and his strong side. There are a few minor things in the game that could change for a winger rather than a center, but I feel like once we are in the D-zone or once we are in the O-zone we just play. We just play hockey.»
The fact that the two have been teammates before with the Rangers during the 2016-2018 seasons, is a big factor in their success.
The chemistry between the two is still there, and it's shown on the ice every night.
In fact, Zibanejad has complimented Miller's game who he thinks has grown since he was traded out of New York.
«He's a smart player, he can make plays, he plays heavy,» Zibanejad said about Miller. «He's strong on the puck and just has a very, very high IQ, which has gotten better from what I remember. It's been a lot of fun.»
The Rangers were fortunate to win against the Vegas Golden Knights this past weekend, and instead of fouling up the chemistry Laviolette has chosen to stick with the same lines.
For now, we could see a new electric 1st-line with Zibanejad on the wing, and Miller driving the play.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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