Peter Laviolette's major lineup changes certainly paid off with win over the Islanders

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Ryan Hall
November 4, 2024 (8:26)

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The Rangers needed a change as the team had played poorly over the past two games and after head coach Peter Laviolette made wholesale changes across his lineup, the gamble paid off with the Rangers victorious over the Islanders.

It was clear that his lines were not working as the team were badly outplayed against the Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators. Laviolette chose to change all his lines and altered his defensive pairings which led to the Rangers decisively winning against the Islanders.

The effects of these changes were almost immediate, and the Rangers looked more like the team they've been earlier on in the year. The Rangers overwhelmed the Islanders almost the entire game and had many scoring chances including several high-quality ones that challenged The weakened Islanders defense corps.

One player in particular who enjoyed the changes was Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad who was placed alongside Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière. He gave his take in the postgame comments and appeared to be excited to be playing alongside those two players.

«Felt good,» Zibanejad said of how he felt playing alongside Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière. «I think all the lines were gelling and playing well. I think the good start we had to the game got everyone's energy up a little bit. I'm excited to play with new guys too. I've played with both of them in the past here and there, but it was fun.»

Laviolette gave his views on the changes he's made and was quite positive on how they adapted to their new lines.

«I do think a fresh look helps once in a while,» Laviolette said. «I don't know how long it lasts or where it goes, but I thought today it was good. All the lines contributed in a positive way. Minutes were pretty even.»

It's likely that Laviolette will leave the lines the way they are as they will take on the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Change is always difficult but necessary at times and the Rangers were certainly in need of a change as their game became worse.